Local authorities should take control of construction training in a bid to tackle the skills shortage within the industry…
The growing issue of skills shortages remains at the forefront of the construction sector. Last month, the Federation of Master Builders revealed many small and medium-sized firms are finding it increasingly difficult to hire skilled workers. This will have serious consequences for the sector’s recovery.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils across England and Wales, said there was “a growing mismatch” between the demand for skills and the number of people gaining construction qualifications.
The industry forecast annual recruitment need would be 54 per cent higher than it was in 2013. However, 10,000 fewer qualifications have been awarded by universities, colleges, and apprenticeships.
Additionally, 58 per cent fewer construction apprenticeships were completed last year than in 2009.
The sector is undoubtedly struggling to meet demand for skilled workers. The LGA found that 56 per cent of skilled trade construction vacancies are hard to fill. This was up 46 per cent compared to figures from 2011 and is almost triple the proportion of vacancies deemed hard to fill across the economy as a whole.
In a bid to tackle the issue the LGA is calling on the government to develop a national “Skills to Build” strategy. Working with the construction industry, councils, and education providers, the scheme could then be delivered by local authorities as part of devolution plans.
By devolving careers advice to local areas councils, schools, colleges, and employers could work together to ensure the nation has enough skilled workers.
Chair of the LGA’s Housing Board Councillor Peter Box said: “For too long we’ve trained too many hairdressers and not enough bricklayers.
“Too few apprentices are getting the construction skills to build the homes and roads our local communities need and developers are struggling to recruit skilled labour to build new homes.
“Industry is clear that skills gaps are one of their greatest barriers to building. If we are to see the homes desperately needed across the country built and jobs and apprenticeships created, councils must be given a leading role.
“Skills demand will always vary significantly across the country. For example, the Northwest is desperate for bricklayers while the West Midlands have a higher demand for wood trades and interior fitters.
“Councils are best-placed to understand the needs of their residents and local economies but have no influence over skills training and employment support in their area.
“In return for increased funding and powers, councils, schools, colleges and employers could work together to reduce unemployment, close this widening construction skills gap and ramp up housebuilding.”