How to Manage the Construction Skills Gap
For some time, the construction industry has been facing a skills gap. Demand for skilled workers is rising, but not enough people are entering the trade. Without action, projects slow down, costs increase, and often, businesses can struggle to grow.
If we’re going to tackle this challenge, then we absolutely need to take a proactive approach. Investing in construction training, improving recruitment strategies, and attracting new talent are all important pieces in the puzzle.
Why Is There a Construction Skills Gap?
A handful of big factors have led to a shortage of skilled workers across the sector. An ageing workforce means that experienced professionals are retiring faster than they can be replaced. On top of this, fewer young people are choosing construction careers and those who do often lack the training needed to step into skilled roles immediately.
Conversely, demand for construction workers is on the up.
More infrastructure projects, housing developments, and commercial builds meant that businesses across the industry are desperate to attract new professionals. Without enough qualified workers, businesses are forced to compete for the same small pool of talent when it comes to construction recruitment.
How Can the Sector Attract New Talent?
More young people and career changers need to be encouraged into construction roles. Those of us who work in the sector know that the construction industry can offer competitive salaries, strong job security, and amazing opportunities for progression. For some reason, though, this message isn’t being communicated as well as it could be, and if people don’t see construction as an appealing career, where is the incentive to pursue it?
Outreach programs can help to change perceptions.
This might mean working with schools, colleges, and career events to amplify the benefits that working in construction can have for people. Promoting this and offering apprenticeships or work placements introduces new people to the industry early. Showcasing real success stories can also highlight how rewarding a career in construction can be.
Improving Construction Training is Also Crucial
Better construction training is another big step if the skills gap is going to be closed. Training programmes need to have an outcome-focused mindset and make sure they’re designed to match industry needs. Providing workers with the skills required on-site is pivotal, and this means technical skills as well as knowledge of the new technologies that are changing the industry.
Apprenticeships, upskilling programmes, and on-the-job training are great ways to get people up to speed quickly and efficiently. Businesses need to continue to work directly with training providers to build tailored programmes that meet the needs of their firms.
Digital tools can also play a supporting role.
There’s no replacement for on-site experience or practical knowledge. That said, online training courses, virtual reality simulations, and e-learning platforms can make it easier for workers to develop their skills on their own time. This means that when they get on-site, they can hit the ground running. Online training is especially useful for areas like health and safety and regulatory education.
It’s Imperative to Retain Skilled Workers
Recruitment is only part of the solution. Retaining skilled workers is just as important; when you lose experienced staff, you’re missing out on their knowledge, efficiency, and leadership.
Competitive salaries and strong benefits are the clearest ways to keep workers engaged, but company culture also plays a role. A workplace that values its employees offers career progression and shows a real dedication to ongoing training will both attract and retain top talent.
Supporting career development is key.
Studies show that, across industries, skilled workers who see opportunities to advance will be more likely to stay. Think about internal training schemes, and mentoring programmes, and try to give clear career pathways to your team. All of this can encourage workers to remain within a company long-term.
Making Construction Recruitment More Effective
Recruitment strategies must be streamlined to attract the right people. Traditional hiring methods don’t always reach the best candidates, and you can see you are swamped with applications that don’t meet your needs. What’s more, lots of skilled workers aren’t actively job-hunting but might be open to the right offer.
Using specialist construction recruitment agencies helps your firm connect with the right professionals quickly. Agencies have access to a network of skilled workers, including those who may not be searching on job boards.
Speed matters, too.
As we’ve said, the market is competitive, and lengthy hiring processes mean losing top candidates to other companies. Make your job descriptions clear, and try to get back to candidates as fast as possible. Efficient interview processes and quick decision-making all help secure the best talent before they accept another offer.
Supporting Diversity in Construction
A more diverse workforce can help reduce the skills gap if you’re prepared to think laterally. Construction has historically been male-dominated, but there is huge potential to attract talent from underrepresented groups.
Encouraging more women and people from different backgrounds to enter the industry expands the talent pool. Outreach programmes, inclusive hiring practices, and visible role models can all help make construction a more accessible career path.
Help to Bridge the Skills Gap in Your Construction Recruitment
ITS Construction is a specialist construction recruitment agency connecting businesses with skilled professionals. Over decades, we’ve built a strong network at all levels within the sector, which means that we can help companies find the right talent quickly.
Whether you need immediate hires or long-term workforce solutions, ITS Construction can support you. View our specialisms here, or get in touch to discuss how they can help manage the construction skills gap.
FAQs
What are the main causes of the construction skills gap?
An ageing workforce, fewer young people entering the industry, and increasing demand for construction projects. A lack of relevant training and outdated recruitment practices also contribute.
How can businesses attract more young people to construction?
Businesses can engage with schools, offer apprenticeships, promote success stories, and highlight the financial and career benefits of working in construction.
What types of training help reduce the skills gap?
Practical on-the-job training, apprenticeships, upskilling programmes, and digital learning tools all help. Training should focus on both technical skills and emerging industry technologies.
How can companies retain skilled workers?
Offering competitive pay, career development opportunities, and a positive work environment all help retain skilled workers. Investing in ongoing training also encourages long-term commitment.
How can businesses improve their recruitment process?
Using specialist construction recruitment agencies, streamlining hiring processes, and offering attractive job packages all improve recruitment success.
