As we enter the spring season and the weather slowly begins to improve, this time of year typically sees construction output begin to pick up before hitting its peak in the summer months.
Skills shortages have been an ongoing issue across the industry for some time now, and as we enter these busier months that trend looks set to continue throughout this year, with experts predicting labour shortages to be one of the sector’s toughest challenges to overcome.
While these shortages do pose a major hurdle for construction businesses, it does leave those with sought-after skills in a strong position to take advantage of the ongoing demand.
Demand for workers remains high despite economic uncertainty
While economic challenges like rising material and energy costs remain a challenge across the industry, these don’t appear to be affecting demand for skilled workers, with 224,900 workers needed to meet UK construction demand between now and 2027, according to the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) latest figures.
While a recession is expected in 2023, construction output is set to grow for all nations and regions, with slow growth returning in 2024. Due to this, the CITB predicts recruitment, training, development and upskilling will remain major priorities for the industry for 2023 and beyond.
In particular, private housing, infrastructure and repair and maintenance are expected to be key drivers behind this growth.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive said: “The latest CSN report clearly shows that despite current economic uncertainty, recruiting and developing the workforce remains vital to ensure the industry can contribute to economic growth.
“We know the next 18 months won’t be easy, however, I remain inspired by the construction industry’s resilience shown in the pandemic and throughout 2022.
“In short, it makes clear that the need to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater. Whether that’s for building the homes the country needs, constructing energy and transport infrastructure or retrofitting the built environment to help drive down energy bills and meet net-zero targets.”
Which skills are in demand?
Stats from the latest labour market tracker from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) echo the CITB findings. Its analysis found that construction roles were a major driver of the rising number of job advertisements.
Within the organisation’s research into these recent job openings, it says: “Occupations that saw a notable increase in demand included floorers and wall tilers, which recorded a 52.7% increase in demand, as well as painters and decorators (43.1%), telephonists (23.9%), construction operatives (23.5%), and carpenters and joiners (22.8%).”