COULD CPD HELP CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS POST-BREXIT?
With Brexit remaining at a standstill after Theresa May’s crushing
defeat, the future of the construction industry is also very much
up in the air. The UK has relied heavily on the proficiency of
overseas workers to plug the skills gap in this sector which
continues to be inundated with residential and infrastructural
projects. The UK population is anticipated to expand by 3.6
million (5.5%) over the next decade and the construction
workforce will continue to experience an increased demand for
their expertise.
The Landscape For Construction Workers
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also
highlight that the construction industry is struggling to attract
young UK-born workers which is resulting in an ageing industry.
In 2011, it was estimated that one in every five UK-born
construction workers were aged over 55, meaning that by 2021,
those individuals will be on the cusp of retirement age.
This has highlighted a significant recruitment and training
deficiency as well as a lack of investment that has been rooted in
the industry, even before the fractious divide of the referendum.
While the government attempts to provide the public with
answers, they have failed to guarantee the construction sector
that they will have access to the EU talent pool that has served
our island nation for centuries. It is therefore paramount that
homegrown companies provide reassurance and necessary
financial support to existing EU workers as this time of great
uncertainty.
Whatever the impact of Brexit (when and if it is eventually
delivered), it is imperative that these workforce shortfalls are
anchored and re-evaluated so that this skills void can be bridged
over the longer-term. James Bryce, head of strategic workforce
planning at Arcadis has affirmed that greater action needs to
be taken in researching modern methods of construction and
diverting its profits into training and development. This would
undoubtedly help relieve some of the concern in relation
to the recruitment of the 400,000 plus workers that the
industry requires each year to deliver on the UK’s housing and
infrastructure needs.
How To Help The Construction Industry Post-Brexit
It is critical that native organisations and professionals engage in
different training methods to keep up to date with the innovative
changes and cutting-edge technology now commonplace for the
likes of builders, masons and plumbers.
An effective solution for this fast-moving environment could be
a strategic focus on Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
This would consist of creating a diverse workforce by delivering
substantial backing for this trusted self-driven style of learning.
Professionals create a portfolio documenting their progress and
constantly review the skills, experience and knowledge that they
have learned both during and outside of working hours.
Evidence of CPD is an attractive proposition for potential
employers as they are taking on a reputable and motivated
individual which gives them the opportunity to position
themselves as experts in their field.
Construction professionals and those aspiring to engineer a
move into this industry can benefit from thousands of institutes
and professional bodies offering different processes for
learning, including seminars, ideas sharing, training workshops
and events. This accredited learning in construction acts as
testament for a worker’s commitment to the industry along
with their ambition. It can also future-proof their company by
strengthening working relationships through the communication
of key industry messages and practices.
Regardless of a soft or hard Brexit, the construction industry
must be prepared to take a short-term hit in return for long-
term stability by implementing a culture that values internal
progression. Providing this stimulus to staff will actively increase
their understanding of the industry and encourage them to
adapt to new policies and procedures in the constantly evolving
sphere of construction.
CPD could yet prove to be the catalyst that moves the
construction monopoly into the 21st century and alleviate any
fears of a national skills shortage for years to come. Please visit
the Construction CPD Industry Hub for more relevant information,
courses and upcoming events.
cpduk.co.uk