The construction industry in the United Kingdom is facing a labor shortage. According to the BBC, 52% of firms reported difficulty hiring carpenters. The skills shortage is reported to be the biggest challenge to the industry’s growth. Firms are struggling to find workers with the necessary skills and experience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how construction firms in the UK are fixing the labor shortage.
Apprenticeships
One way construction firms are fixing the labor shortage is by investing in apprenticeships. An apprentice is someone who learns a trade by working under the guidance of a more experienced worker. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training and can last anywhere from one to four years. The UK government has introduced several initiatives to encourage businesses to take on apprentices, including financial incentives.
There are several benefits to doing apprenticeships. First, it’s much easier to implement. Construction workers can often start apprenticeships immediately or after a short training program. It also helps address the skills shortage by teaching workers the specific skills needed in the industry.
Another benefit is cost-effectiveness. Apprentices are paid a lower wage while they learn on the job, and firms can save money on training programs. Additionally, apprentices often stay with the company after completing their apprenticeship, leading to higher retention rates.
Training and Testing Programs
Another way construction firms address the skills shortage is by providing training and testing programs for existing and new employees. These programs help workers develop the skills they need to be successful in their roles. In addition, many construction firms partner with local colleges and universities to provide employee training programs. These tests and pieces of training should be accessible to those interested in working in the industry.
One of the essential testing programs is the CITB exam. This exam covers various health and safety training and construction site processes. Passing this exam allows workers to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the industry, making them more attractive to employers. In addition, firms can now book CITB tests online, making it much easier to get new workers to work in their firms. This is a convenient and more efficient way to get new workers You can then train these new workers on specific tasks and processes.
Hiring Immigrants
There are more than 100,000 immigrant workers in the UK, but not many are working in construction. Leveraging immigrants can solve the labor shortage as they often possess the necessary skills and experience. Additionally, it can also bring diversity to the construction industry.
However, there may be challenges in hiring immigrants for construction firms. The language barrier and cultural differences can impact their performance on the job. Therefore, firms need programs that help integrate and train these immigrant workers to succeed.
Train Existing Employees
If you have employees interested in advancing their careers, investing in their training and development can help solve the labor shortage. Providing education and training opportunities for current employees can lead to higher retention rates and a more skilled workforce. Firms can also offer career paths and promotion opportunities to retain top-performing employees.
There are various benefits to doing this. First, it’s cheaper than hiring and training new employees. It also helps with employee morale, as they feel valued and recognized for their hard work. And finally, it allows for a more seamless transition in leadership roles. This can also be one way you can diversify your workforce and bring fresh perspectives to your firm. It’s also an excellent way to reward employees as they rise to the ranks in your firm.
Automation
Finally, construction firms are using automation to address the labor shortage. Automation refers to using technology to perform tasks traditionally done by human workers. For example, construction firms use drones to survey sites and robots to lay bricks. This helps construction firms complete projects on time and within budget despite the lack of skilled workers.
Automation can give your firm the edge it needs against competitors in various ways. One way is by eliminating the need for salaries. Robots and drones only need to be purchased and maintained, saving the firm money in the long term. Automation can also reduce errors on the job and increase efficiency and productivity.
However, there are some concerns about automation taking away jobs from human workers. As a result, firms must consider how they will handle redundancies and retrain employees as they incorporate more automated processes into their work.
The construction industry in the United Kingdom is facing a severe labor shortage. This skills shortage is reported to be the biggest challenge to the industry’s growth. The various strategies above can help solve the shortage. By taking these steps, construction firms can ensure that they have enough workers with the necessary skills and experience to complete projects on time and within budget.
