Only 45% of the UK public knows about the construction skills shortage according to On The Tools research
Posted by: electime 5th April 2024
- According to a new white paper about the skills shortage in construction by On The Tools, fewer than half of the UK public are aware of the issue.
- A negative perception of tradespeople is thought to be the primary cause of the skills gap.
- The biggest deterrent for potential employers when thinking about hiring apprentices is the lack of Governmental support (36 per cent).
- 1 in 3 (35 per cent) of UK tradespeople have noticed the need for retraining or multi-trade capabilities as a result of the skills shortage.
- The hands-on nature of the work was deemed to be the most attractive aspect of working in construction.
A new report has revealed that only 45 per cent of the UK public is aware of the skills shortage in construction. UK tradespeople believe that the biggest contributing factor to the skills shortage is a negative perception of working in the industry, with tool theft and the perceived treatment and scarcity of tradeswomen highlighted as aspects that might render the industry unappealing to potential new entrants.
Closing the Gap: Tackling the Skills Shortage in Construction is a report created by the UK’s largest and most engaged construction community, On The Tools to address the pressing issue of the skills shortage in the UK construction industry. By analysing causes, dissecting the apprenticeship system, assessing impacts, and merging findings with existing data, the report provides recommendations to reduce shortages. Alongside case studies and an ‘industry highlights’ section, it promotes the industry, showcasing its opportunities.
The report’s findings point to the need for a unified approach to tackle the issue, leading On The Tools to launch an exclusive initiative: Construction Skills Shortage Week™. Set to commence on April 15, 2024, this week-long event will use the white paper as a foundation to unite the industry, raise awareness, tackle perceptions, and support employers in combating the skills shortage crisis.
Causes
A negative perception of tradespeople is thought to be the primary cause of the skills gap, accounting for one in five (20 per cent) responses. Tool theft and the perceived treatment and scarcity of tradeswomen were highlighted as aspects that might render the industry unappealing to potential new entrants. The treatment of construction as a career option in the education system was also highlighted, with four out of five (83 per cent) educators willing to encourage their learners into the trade despite many believing that the current school curriculum does not accommodate learners with more practical skills.
The apprenticeship system
Both employers and apprentices state that they have predominantly positive experiences – 91 per cent of UK tradespeople who undertook apprenticeships had a positive experience. But, there are still improvements to be made. Many apprentices (40 per cent) felt there wasn’t enough hands-on work in their apprenticeship programme. Financial remuneration was also an area to improve, with 41 per cent of apprentices stating they thought they should be paid more. The visibility of trade career paths for young people is also low, and 79 per cent of UK tradespeople felt schools should promote construction apprenticeships more.
Impacts
Currently, one in two UK tradespeople don’t have enough colleagues to support them. And it’s not an easy fix, with 47 per cent of employers admitting to struggling with hiring and 48 per cent with retention. Other outcomes already noticed include the need for retraining or multi-trade capabilities and a reduction in morale. Long-term consequences of the shortage were also highlighted, with one in three (33 per cent) anticipating a productivity decline and more than a quarter (28 per cent) predicting more stringent health and safety policies.
Case studies
Incorporating a diverse range of real-world testimonies offers insights into the challenges and opportunities at hand. By featuring perspectives from employers, former apprentices, educators, and beyond, a nuanced understanding of the issue is brought forth, enriching the discourse with personal opinions and firsthand experiences.
Industry highlights
This section combines insights from tradespeople, public opinion, and contributions from report sponsors and supporters to present the many benefits of choosing a career in construction. On The Tools found that the most attractive aspects of working in the industry, according to survey participants, are the hands-on nature of the work, the variety of the work, and the pay.
Commenting on the findings of the white paper, CEO and Co-founder of On The Tools, Lee Wilcox, said: “Our mission with On The Tools is connecting construction to improve the lives of UK tradespeople. ‘Closing the Gap’ uses the voices of those tradespeople to show how legitimate the impacts of the skills shortage are, and how dire the consequences could be if left unaddressed. I hope the targeted parties read and act on this report, using it to inform their strategies, connect construction, attack the issue from every angle, and ultimately improve the lives of UK tradespeople.
“From our angle, I hope the ‘case studies’ and ‘industry highlights’ sections of this report serve as a beacon for attracting newcomers to the industry so that they may see the construction industry for what it is: an extraordinary opportunity within a phenomenal sector, teeming with unparalleled potential for innovation, growth, and fulfilment.”
Download the white paper to find out more.
This white paper was supported by 3M, Band of Builders, BMF, Construction Sport, DeWalt, Dulux, Howdens, Huws Gray, Isuzu, Rated People, Super Trowel, and Vaillant: with useful input from other partners and case study participants.
