The United Kingdom's infrastructure sector is currently facing a significant challenge in the form of a growing shortage of skilled labour. Over 250,000 workers have already left the industry, exacerbating the shortage of skilled labour. This exodus is largely due to an aging workforce, with experienced professionals reaching retirement age and insufficient replacements coming in.
Additionally, an extra 225,000 workers will be required by 2027. If unmet, this will severely hinder the sector's ability to meet growing demands and achieve crucial national targets for infrastructure development, including homebuilding, net-zero emissions, and critical infrastructure delivery.
Immediate action is essential to mitigate the impact of this talent drought. It's crucial to attract and retain a new generation of skilled workers to ensure the future success of the UK's infrastructure sector.
Impact on crucial infrastructure programmes
The UK's infrastructure sector suffers from a scarcity of skilled workers, impacting critical projects and exacerbating the housing crisis. The shortage hinders the construction of affordable homes and leads to delays and cost overruns.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 relies on a skilled workforce, but the labour shortage poses obstacles. The need for sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy solutions is emphasised in the UK's Sixth Carbon Budget.
Delivering major infrastructure projects faces challenges due to the inadequate labour force. Ambitious plans for transportation networks and utilities struggle without skilled workers, causing delays, increased costs, and compromised quality.
Encouraging Young People to Consider Careers in Construction
To address the labour shortage in the UK's infrastructure sector, proactive measures are needed to promote construction careers to young people. Companies should highlight the industry's strengths and rewards to attract fresh talent from schools and universities.
Engaging with educational institutions is crucial for inspiring young individuals to pursue construction-related professions. By partnering with schools and colleges, industry professionals can showcase diverse career options through career fairs, presentations, and apprenticeship/internship programs. These initiatives provide hands-on training, practical experience, and industry-specific knowledge, igniting interest in construction careers.
It's vital for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. Highlighting sustainable practices, digitalisation, and cutting-edge technologies can inspire young individuals driven by a desire to make a positive difference. Construction careers contribute to building sustainable infrastructure, combating climate change, and improving quality of life.
By investing in the future workforce and cultivating diverse professionals, the industry can overcome the shortage and ensure successful infrastructure projects.
Rebranding Companies as Great Places to Work for All
Equality has become an important factor in employment within the sector. To attract more women in the UK construction workforce, companies must create inclusive environments and reimagine their brand image. With women comprising less than 15% of the workforce, it's crucial to address this gender imbalance. Emphasising inclusivity, equal opportunities, and supportive workplaces helps overcome biases that discourage women from pursuing construction careers.
Implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives is vital for attracting and retaining a wider range of talent. Companies can establish inclusive policies like unconscious bias training, equal pay, and promoting gender diversity. By actively addressing these issues, companies create an environment where everyone feels empowered to succeed.
Mentorship programs can be a great way to interest talented individuals as they support the professional growth of professionals. Using experienced mentors, guidance and support can be provided as well as the passing down of industry knowledge. This will allow for the opportunities to advance their career while breaking barriers and nurturing talent.
Flexible working arrangements should also be considered where applicable as flexible schedules, remote work, and family-friendly policies helps those with care responsibilities balance personal and professional responsibilities, attracting talented individuals who may have been discouraged by the sector's perceived rigidity. Jobs advertised explicitly as having flexible working arrangements receive up to 30% more applications.
Highlighting the achievements of a diverse workforce in construction inspires aspiring professionals. Showcasing role models through events, media coverage, and social media campaigns breaks down barriers and demonstrates the fulfilling careers available in the sector. Celebrating their accomplishments inspires the next generation and challenges stereotypes.
Addressing the talent shortage
The UK's infrastructure sector is facing a critical shortage of skilled labour, posing significant challenges to meeting growing demands and achieving crucial national targets. Urgent measures are required to attract and retain a fresh wave of skilled workers, alongside initiatives aimed at inspiring young individuals to pursue construction careers. This can be achieved through educational partnerships that promote the industry's innovation and societal contributions.
A more immediate option can be rebranding as an inclusive and supportive workplace for all. Implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship programs, and flexible working arrangements can help overcome biases and create an environment where everyone feels empowered to succeed.
While various solutions are available, Electus stands out as a leading talent partner that can help businesses overcome the current talent gap. With over 20 years of experience and a reputation for providing quality professionals across multiple specialisms, Electus offers a range of talent services, including contingent recruitment, executive searches, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Electus provides a focused commitment to clients' goals, making them the ideal solution to address the talent shortage in the infrastructure sector.
Learn more about Electus and experience the benefits of partnering with a true talent specialist committed to helping businesses grow and thrive.