​The construction industry is facing a critical skills shortage that is impacting project timelines, costs, and overall growth. This issue demands immediate attention and action. The shortage of skilled workers means that projects are taking longer to complete, leading to increased costs and delays. This lack of available talent is hindering the industry's ability to meet growing demand and capitalise on new opportunities.

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More workers are needed to ensure the industry can keep up with the pace of current projects and future developments. A larger, skilled workforce will help maintain high standards of quality and safety, meet deadlines, and drive innovation within the industry.

Here’s an overview of the situation and potential solutions:

The Scale of the Skills Shortage

• Huge Demand: The UK construction industry needs around 225,000 new workers by 2027 to keep up with demand, according to the Construction Skills Network (CSN) report.

• Future Prospects: Over the next decade, the industry will need 937,000 new recruits, including 244,000 qualified apprentices.

Why There's A Shortage

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• Workforce: More than 35% of construction workers are over 50.

• Apprenticeship Decline: Only 713,000 people registered as apprentices in 2021, the lowest number since 2010.

• Lack of Interest: Just 5% of students are considering careers in construction, likely due to outdated perceptions of the industry and a lack of awareness about the diverse career opportunities available.

• Brexit Impact: The exit from the EU has led to a loss of EU workers in the UK construction workforce.

• High Demand: Government housing initiatives and big infrastructure projects are increasing the need for workers.

Impact on the Industry

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• Project Delays and Costs: Not enough workers mean delays and higher costs.

• Worker Fatigue: Longer hours for existing workers can compromise safety.

• Quality and Deadlines: Meeting project deadlines and maintaining quality standards is becoming tougher.

How can we encourage younger generations to get involved in construction?

To interest young people in new fields, we need to show real-life impacts and career examples while they’re still in school. In the UK, children choose A-level subjects around the age of 15 or 16. By then, they should have a solid foundation in essential skills. Without early interest in maths, science, or technology, or awareness of related careers, they are unlikely to pursue further training in these areas. Construction offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities, making it an excellent field to consider.

Encouraging young people to enter construction is essential because:

• Hands-On Work: Many young people prefer active, hands-on roles over desk jobs.

• Innovation and Technology: The construction industry is increasingly using exciting new technologies like drones, 3D printing, and virtual reality.

• Creativity: Construction allows for creative problem-solving and design.

• Impactful Projects: They can be part of building essential infrastructure and creating sustainable, eco-friendly structures.

• Career Progression: There are clear pathways for advancement and specialisation, offering continuous growth.

• Teamwork: The industry offers a collaborative environment, working with diverse teams on varied projects.

• Competitive Salaries: Many roles offer attractive pay and benefits.

How We're Tackling This

To address this urgent issue, Thorn Baker Construction is actively supporting clients through multiple initiatives:

• Diversifying Our Recruitment Efforts: We actively seek to attract underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, to broaden the talent pool.

• Offering Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We work with businesses to provide attractive compensation packages, which help retain current talent and attract new workers to the industry.

• Strategic Recruitment and Retention: Thorn Baker works closely with companies to improve our recruitment processes and strategies. We recommend investing in recruitment efforts through agencies, specialised job boards, or internal referral programs. We emphasise the importance of treating candidates with respect and offering competitive and sensible job offers to attract the best talent​.

By taking these steps, we aim to mitigate the impact of the skills shortage on our clients' projects. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality work while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the construction industry workforce. As the industry continues to evolve, we will adapt our strategies to ensure we're always providing the best possible support to our clients, addressing the ongoing challenges of the skills shortage. Contact Thorn Baker to discuss how we can solve your recruitment needs.

I’m looking for a new job, how can I get started?

By pursuing a career in the construction industry, you can play a vital role in shaping the future, ensuring projects run smoothly, safely, and on time. This is your chance to step into a field full of opportunities.

The construction industry needs fresh talent to innovate and drive it forward. You could help shape the future, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and safely. If you're ready to make a difference and start a rewarding career, the construction industry is waiting for you,

Contact Thorn Baker today to learn more or visit our jobs page.