Considerate Constructors Scheme shines a ‘spotlight’ on the next generation

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched its ‘Spotlight on… the next generation‘ campaign to address the industry’s chronic inability to attract a future workforce.

The campaign was established in response to a survey of UK and Irish contractors conducted by the Considerate Constructors Scheme. While 85% of survey respondents said they would recommend a career in construction to young people, 84% felt that the outdated perception of construction as manual labour was the reason it remains an unpopular vocation.

The survey itself gathered responses from some 800 construction professionals. Key findings included:

• 77% view the skills shortage as the single biggest issue currently facing the construction industry.
• 72% cite the challenging nature of their work as the central benefit to a construction career.
• 53% know young people who are, or could potentially be, interested in a construction career.

When asked what the industry could be doing to attract the next generation:

• 37% suggested changing perceptions and promoting benefits.
• 26% mentioned engaging with schools and colleges.
• 15% recommended apprenticeships and training.

And so, ‘Spotlight on… the next generation’ has been launched by the Considerate Constructors Scheme to raise awareness for the wide array of resources, organisations, case studies, key information and guidance available to help the industry attract its future workforce.

The campaign contains a variety of practical case studies covering what organisations have done to attract more young people into the industry. Included are contributions from such organisations as: Balfour Beatty, Class of Your Own, Engie, Hobson and Porter, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Mace, McLaughlin & Harvey and Wates.

Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “The shortage of new entrants in to the workforce is one of the most pressing issues facing the construction industry. With over 400,000 new recruits needed each year to deliver construction projects, we must all take steps to attract the next generation.

“While we do have a great industry, one that is working hard to improve its image – as evidenced by the fact that 85% of those within the industry would recommend a career in construction – we need to do so much more to continually improve our standards in order to drive the perception change much needed to make the industry more attractive.”

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