Unloading the construction image of wolf whistles and muddy boots
Construction boss Dan Grimshaw says the building sector, which has experienced record growth over the past two years, may struggle to attract enough talent to provide the necessary workforce for future projects.
Dan says shortages due to the pandemic triggering an exodus of experienced construction workers, a record number of workers reaching retirement age, and too few people entering the industry to replace them, could impact growth.
“In my own business, working on premium residential projects for more than 15 years, I have first-hand experience of the shortage of skilled construction workers, such as joiners, electricians, and other skilled trades,” said Dan, who is based in Bath and London.
“We need to break down preconceptions and get away from the image of wolf whistles, and muddy boots and do more to sell construction as a career option with employers and the government working together to attract more young people.”
A recent survey by business campaigning group London First, revealed that the government’s apprenticeship levy revealed funds are still going unspent with almost half of firms subject to the levy returning unspent apprenticeship funding to the Treasury.
“Despite all the positives there is still both a gaping capacity and a skills challenge, and more needs to be done to raise awareness of the opportunities in the sector,” added Dan, founder of design and construction firm Beam Development.
“Construction is reported to need more than 200,000 new workers by 2025 to meet demand, so change needs to happen fast. I believe the key is training, on-boarding, and recruiting people young people with talent and an energetic outlook.
“New technologies and trends are constantly emerging, with a variety of innovations in designing, materials, manufacturing, testing, and extending modern construction techniques that will provide multi-disciplinary and diverse careers for future employees.”
Dan Grimshaw is a design and construction specialist based in Bath and London. He is a mentor to the British Library’s prestigious Innovating for Growth programme and was a jury member for the BLT Built Design Awards 2021.
For further information visit: www.beamdevelopment.co.uk
