In conversation with house builders: the skills gap

Understanding the skills gap

The skills gap represents one of the most pressing challenges in UK construction, affecting all stages of build and all roles from site management to trades. The Construction Skills Network Industry Outlook highlighted that 251,500 construction workers will be needed by 2028.

So, with fewer young people entering the sector and an ageing workforce increasingly looking towards retirement, it is essential the house-building industry comes together to find new ways to make the sector more appealing to a diverse audience in order to attract and retain talent. This discussion sheds light on how builders inspire new people to join this rewarding industry.

Career opportunities in construction

The house-building industry has recognised the growing skills gap and has, for several years, been working to showcase the advantages of a career in construction. Not only does this sector offer financially rewarding careers and many opportunities to advance your skills, it also provides both variety and stability due to the wide range of roles available.

Craig Carson explained “There’s a huge amount of opportunity within the industry, not just in the early part of your career… but to have a great career for a number of years and take a number of paths …the opportunities are endless.”

Luke Taylor added ‘There are so many different routes in [to construction], so many facets from design through to the commercial side, to construction on site, to sales and marketing.”

Breaking down barriers

Our guests also discussed the perceived barriers preventing people from pursuing a career in construction.

Simon Murphy noted that there are, of course, physical barriers on sites and this is the part of construction people are most likely to see day to day – as he summarised “Because we sit behind a hoarding, behind a fence line, there’s a barrier there that’s not really there.”

This means that when people consider the sector it may make it appear to be a closed industry, but this is not the case. Indeed construction has changed a great deal becoming an open, diverse and welcoming sector with support networks and facilities that may surprise people.

Craig Carson added “We have tough days, of course everyone does, but it’s actually overcoming those challenges… [and] championing the successes [we have together].”

Approaching apprenticeships

All our guests agreed that apprenticeships are vital to closing the skills gap but that some people had misconceptions about them. For example many people do not realise there are different apprenticeship levels including degree or higher apprenticeships.

Furthermore many people assume apprenticeships are only for school-leavers when anyone over the age of 16 can in fact undertake an apprenticeship. Simon Murphy explained “[Apprenticeships are] not just for the young. If people want to change careers throughout their journey the doors are open.”

Craig Carson agreed “We are seeing people change their professions, [it’s a great way for people to get] hands-on experience whilst having that classroom-based learning as well.”

Luke Taylor added “[It’s vital we] create environments where people can thrive”.

Final thoughts

When asked to describe their experience of the house-building industry in just three words each of our guests chose one each.

Simon Murphy selected “passion” due to the drive and engagement he sees in the house-building industry each and every day.

Craig Carson said “rewarding” as not only can a role in the construction industry be financially rewarding, but also produce a sense of pride in what has been built and real satisfaction knowing you have created homes for people.

Luke Taylor chose “opportunity” to reflect both the stability offered by the variety of roles available in the sector as well as the dynamic nature of a career in house building.

To find out more watch the full discussion below.