Struggling to Find Skilled Workers in the South West?
Struggling to Find Skilled Workers in the South West? Jack and Rhian in our Bristol office have got you covered!
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) recently shone a light on something we’ve known for a while - hiring skilled workers in the South West is tough. In fact, every single employer in the region is struggling to find the right talent, far above the industry average of 71%.
The Big Challenges:
Skills Shortages - Finding qualified electricians, engineers, safety specialists, and project managers is a real challenge.
Nuclear Industry Boom - The nuclear sector dominates here, making up 89% of the workforce and driving competition for top talent.
Young Workforce - Unlike other regions, we have fewer workers over 50, meaning the talent pipeline is strong - but we still need to attract and retain the best.
Overseas Dependence - 16.7% of the workforce is from overseas, compared to just 5.3% across the industry, making it even more important to have solid recruitment strategies in place.
Projected Growth - Employers in the South West anticipate a 17% increase in headcount over the next three years, adding further pressure on hiring and retention efforts.
How We Help You Build the Best Team
We’ve been in the industry for over 30 years, and within that time we’ve seen it all - the booms, the busts, and everything in between. The good news? We know exactly how to help businesses navigate these challenges and find the right people when you need them most.
We take the time to thoroughly assess and register candidates, ensuring they have the necessary skills to meet project demands. Our inclusive recruitment strategies tap into diverse talent pools, where possible, all while ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, we leverage our strong industry partnerships to keep the talent pipeline flowing and securing the workforce our clients need.
Let’s Build Your Workforce Together
The South West’s construction industry is growing fast, and finding the right people is key to keeping things moving. With a projected 17% increase in headcount over the next three years, now is the time to invest in a solid recruitment strategy.
Need skilled workers? Let’s chat. Get in touch with our specialists today:
Rhian Newman, Head of Offsite & Professional - rhian@thornbaker.co.uk
Jack Parfitt, Senior Business Manager - jack@thornbaker.co.uk