According to the CITB, the construction skills shortage is set to worsen, 42,000 new workers needed each year.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has reported that there will be a skills shortage in some regions if the industry doesn’t find an additional 232,000 workers between 2016 and 2020. That’s 42,420 new tradespeople each year.
The area most in need is Wales, which needs a 15.6% growth in the next four years if the demands of major projects are to be met. This is compared to the 0.6% growth needed in the South East.
But if we look at requirements by number rather than percentage, the North West faces the greatest need, with 6,650 recruits needed each year until 2020. The Chancellor’s Northern Powerhouse strategy, to boost growth in the region, will be a hive of activity and will require lots of hands on deck.
If these needs are to be met, CITB policy director Steve Radley says that apprenticeships are vital. He said: “One thing that will be absolutely critical over the next few months is the Government outlining its reforms on apprenticeship funding.”
A lot rests on Government reforms on apprenticeships and the industry attracting new talent to the sector.
With that in mind, if you do know any fantastic young construction workers, don’t forget to point them towards our Young Tradesperson of the Year competition…
