Senior project Leader (FCIOB & FAPM) Advancing smart construction and sustainable solutions.Mentor to future leaders and creator of Building Our Future newsletter.Seeking leadership roles driving innovation and growth.
This article by Simon Harris and New Civil Engineer highlights a critical and growing concern within the UK's civil engineering sector—the intensifying skills shortage, particularly in light of several large-scale construction projects like the Lower Thames Crossing and the Great Grid Upgrade. What's starkly evident from the discussion is that this talent shortage isn't confined just to large projects but reflects a broader systemic issue affecting the entire industry. A major, and perhaps frightfully obvious point that emerges is the lack of interest among government and recent school leavers in pursuing careers within the construction sector. The sector's image and appeal have diminished, making it less attractive to young talent who might otherwise replenish the aging workforce. This disinterest is compounded by educational institutions and governmental bodies not adequately promoting construction as a viable and rewarding career path, despite the high demand for skilled labour. Moreover, the impending recovery of the construction sector post-General Election and the predicted investment in environmental capex by the water sector highlight the urgent need for a strategic overhaul in how the industry recruits and retains talent. The traditional reliance on experienced workers is no longer sufficient; there's a pressing need for embracing diverse talent pools and enhancing focus on apprenticeships, training, and upskilling initiatives to address the gaps in new skills areas such as green technologies and AI. The looming perfect storm in 2026, with the commencement of projects like the Lower Thames Crossing, underscores the critical need for the construction industry to adapt swiftly and decisively to attract and develop the necessary workforce to avoid severe disruptions and capitalise on future growth opportunities. Again,like I said before more needs to be done before the s#@t hits the fan! #skillsshortaged #ukconstruction
Op-ed: Mega Projects spell mega problems: grappling with the looming talent shortage ✒️ Randstad UK managing director of Construction, Property & Engineering team Simon Harris Read on:
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6moBut sure that’s obvious re these comments so well highlighted here in your post. Historically there was always the promotion of the trades in irish secondary schools as I experienced in unfortunately my short time there, I’m sure likwise in the U.K. schools. When my grown up children who today are in their forties going to secondary schools in the eighties was all about university and the professional routes ie Solictors Accountants teachers and other areas of academic pursuits. Hence today we have the vacuum we see in the trades. I ask my now grandchildren what’s the story on the trades or connected areas of the construction industry and they tell me much the same, yes they touch on it but not sufficiently to arrest the demise of the lack of trades people coming up in the construction industry. If at least you have people who have apprenticeshipd in the various trades at least then they can follow on to the technical side to train as engineers with the university’s in the evenings and weekends. In fact this route give them a very deep understanding of of the foundation of how one creats the buildings we create. This is my few words Tamlyn to contribute to you very well written article on the industry. Have a nice week ahead🙏