February 2016 – Training & Recruitment
The skills shortage isn't so much about a lack of people willing to work in construction.
The big problem is training. As skilled workers reach the end of their careers they are being replaced mainly by school leavers. And they need training.
Efforts are being made. For example, on p21 we take a look at a laudable initiative by the Prince’s Trust which, with help from CITB, is rehabilitating young ex-offenders and helping them embark on a career in construction. But the CITB itself is facing an uncertain future and staff morale there is said to be at rock bottom.
Whatever the pros and cons of the government’s new apprenticeship levy, due to come in next year, the solution ultimately lies within the industry itself. The onus now is on employers to sacrifice more of their slender profit margins to invest in training and skills.
David Taylor
Editor
Features
recruitment & skills
UK Concrete show
Government’s knickers in a
steve Corcoran interview