As pressures facing the construction sector mount, technology has a huge role to play in tackling the widening skills and talent shortages. It’s now up to the sector to truly unlock the potential of automation to improve efficiency, productivity and accuracy, says Andy Clifton of Topcon Positioning GB
The construction industry is a key driver of economic growth and development in the UK, but it currently faces several critical challenges – the most urgent being a major skills shortage.
The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 revealed that the construction sector requires 937,000 new workers within the next 10 years. Of these, 244,000 need to be qualified apprentices to sustain industry growth and meet future demands.
Dubbed the ‘missing million’, this shortage poses a significant risk to the industry’s stability unless remedial measures are taken.
There are a number of reasons behind the skills gap – an ageing workforce, difficulty with attracting young talent and the exodus of EU workers post-Brexit, to name a few.
As the industry works hard to attract new talent and upskill existing workers, could technology be the sector’s secret weapon to bridging the skills gap?
The impact of the skills gap
The skills gap in the construction industry is presenting challenges for the economy, employment and the successful completion of projects.
Not only does this threaten the sector’s growth potential but also it risks delaying major infrastructure projects and critical affordable housing schemes.
Another dangerous consequence of the labour shortage is the extra stress placed on the current workforce.
Employees are often required to plug the gap by working longer hours, which increases the risk of worker fatigue and quickly becomes a health and safety issue.
In Topcon’s Future of Machine Control report, almost a quarter (24%) of respondents stated operator fatigue is a key concern, highlighting the urgent need to address the problem.
The potential of automated technology
Sectors including manufacturing and transportation are already reaping the rewards of automated technology, experiencing heightened productivity and futureproofing their operations in the process.
The construction industry has been investing in digital solutions since the early 2000s, and the pandemic ramped up the adoption even further.
Construction bosses seek solutions that they can easily integrate into operations, such as remote site management software and automated machine control, to allow their teams to become more productive without having to learn complicated systems.
Improved efficiency isn’t the only benefit of embracing innovation. The Future of Machine Control report also revealed that just under three-quarters (73%) of respondents agree that technology such as machine control will play an essential role in attracting future talent into the industry and has the power to improve the sector’s image.
What’s more, there are advantages for employees throughout the entire workforce – from the Gen Z job hunter considering a career in earthworks to the highly experienced operator.
Machine control vastly eases the training process and offers a route to more complex and engaging work, reducing hands-on time on even the most complicated jobs.
When you consider its vast potential, it’s clear to see that technology has the power to be transformative in bridging the skills gap.
Adopting automation and machine control tools can strengthen your current workforce by upskilling even the most experienced employees and opening up the opportunity for newer recruits to take on tasks that would previously have been reserved for more skilled operators.
This affords construction businesses the opportunity to be more flexible and ensure projects are delivered on time by making the most of the technology, rather than being reliant on the skills of individuals.
Experienced workers can be involved in more engaging work such as making logistical and strategic decisions that improve profitability and make them feel more valued than being given manual labour tasks that can be repetitive and tedious.
Additionally, it helps contractors to improve retention and reduce pressures on recruitment as there is less risk of operators leaving when they feel they’re no longer fit enough for manual work.
When recruiting, roles that involve the use of digital tools are now much more attractive to candidates – it not onlygives them the chance to learn a new skill but demonstrates that a business is committed to carving a successful future in a fast-paced, competitive sector.
Tackling the labour shortage
The construction skills gap is not only putting the sector under pressure but the government too, as it faces scrutiny over delivering on the promise of more affordable housing.
In response, the government is offering funding to construction businesses that adopt digital technologies and upskill teams, enabling contractors to reduce the initial investment of implementing a new digital system.
In 2021, the Chancellor pledged £65m to drive digital improvement in the planning system. Years later, we’re seeing the positive results of this investment and in the 2023 Autumn Statement, plans were announced for an Accelerated Planning Service for major commercial applications with a decision time of 10 weeks and fee refunds if this is not met.
Outside of parliament, initiatives such as Get Kids Into Survey and Class of Your Own are being launched by sector leaders to promote different positions within the industry. The schemes offer young people the chance to gain valuable experience across different roles and encourage them to consider a career in construction.
Embracing technology is no longer a should-do – it’s a must-do. The impact of the skills gap cannot be ignored and by coming together and committing to embarking on the journey of digital transformation, the construction sector can start to bridge the gap and pave the way for a strong and secure future.
Andy Clifton
Senior support engineer
Topcon Positioning GB
Tel: +44 (0)845 450 4300
customerservice.gb@topcon.com
www.topconpositioning.com
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