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Re-engaging, up-skilling and diversifying the capabilities of the workforce is the challenge ahead for the UK construction industry, a new report has revealed. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) first-ever Construction Sector Profile found that work orders had dropped significantly in 2009 compared with 2008. Commercial property construction jobs were down by as much as 45%, while demand for private housing slid by 35% during the same period. While the REC pointed out that a dip in growth was inevitable in 2009 as 2008 saw the highest levels of activity ever recorded in the sector, it’s clear that this year has been a challenging one for construction firms. “Undoubtedly, this has been the toughest time in living memory for those working within our business,” said Jason Campbell, Chair of the REC’s Construction Sector Group. “However, it has provided us with a chance to regroup and consider the possible implications for the industry. In particular, we need to focus on worker quality,” he advised. The REC has recommended diversifying worker capability in order to prepare for economic recovery. According to the CBI, over 60% of those working in construction are low skilled and would struggle to secure alternative employment should they lose their jobs. As a result, the organisation has called on government to step up investment in construction projects and support capacity development within the industry. John Cridland, Deputy Director-General of the CBI, said his organisation would continue to call for protected capital spending on construction by government, as economic growth depended on it. “A strong economy needs fit-for-purpose schools and hospitals and it will be the construction industry that builds the new transport and energy infrastructure needed to shift to a low-carbon economy,” he told The Times. One way in which the UK government can help up-skill the construction workforce is to make the most of the 2012 Olympics. Recent employment and skills statistics published by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) show that over 4,800 workers are employed at the Olympic Park construction site. An additional 2,428 workers at the Olympic Village take the total number of construction jobs and other roles created by the programme up to 7,270. ODA Chairman John Armitt said his organisation was making good progress on its UK jobs and skills development strategy. “The ‘big build’ of the Olympic Park and Village is on track and providing vital employment, training and business opportunities in London and across the UK,” he said. A significant number of London 2012 contracts, worth around £1.7 billion, are still to be awarded. If distributed wisely, this could provide a major boost for specialised skills development across the industry. Hopefully, experience gained through the ‘big build’ will help more British firms win work on other major sporting event infrastructure projects around the globe. Many companies are looking to Brazil. The South American country has been chosen to host both the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. A new deal, signed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Brazilian president Lula, has paved the way for increased collaboration between the two countries, reports the Press Association. “When it comes to competing for Brazil, UK companies with expertise in delivering sporting events will have a major advantage. Being a company that will work on 2012 will give you a unique currency to the global marketplace,” said Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell. While the looming public sector spending cuts do threaten construction sector growth, there are still opportunities out there for forward-thinking construction workers who are willing to diversify their skill set. With Careers and Jobs, you can view all the latest jobs, browse UK jobs by sector, including construction jobs, and keep up to date with the latest UK jobs news. You’ll also find expert career advice and help with CV writing to help land that dream job.
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