Construction industry sector skills council CITB has created an online tool designed to help both new starters and people already working in the sector, who want to find out about the next stages on the career ladder.
Developed using feedback from training industry professionals, the Career Progression Tool (CPT) provides information about trades training, career opportunities and guidance for people at all levels in the industry. It shows the skills demand by trade on a regional level as well as carrying information about the necessary qualifications applicants need.
CITB careers spokeswoman, Maria O’Sullivan, said: "In the current climate it is vital that we are attracting a diverse and talented workforce to our industry.
"The Careers Progression Tool, in line with our core value of ‘Adaptability’, was developed in response to career professionals’ request for comprehensive and accurate information regarding construction careers and progression opportunities.
"This tool, alongside our careers conferences, is an effective way of informing key stakeholders of the varied, exciting careers and progression opportunities our industry has to offer."
Initially demonstrated to delegates at the London Construction Career Conference last month, the CITB is now promoting the tool on a regional level. Designed to meet the needs of industry employees and people considering construction as a career, it covers a huge range of jobs and skills sets from trainee architects to procurement directors. Users can search their region for job opportunities based on their qualifications and skill levels, as well as find out about any training they need to improve them.
The roll-out of the tool comes shortly after recruiter Manpower signalled that the construction sector is now enjoying its brightest outlook for jobs since the recession started in 2008, especially in and around London. Demand for trained trades people was also up in the majority of UK regions.