After a torrid time of things, the construction sector looked like it may be turning the corner. However, will BSF funding gone, and public spending in general being reigned in, construction has had to look to diversify, as well as look to the future to skill-up.
We speak to construction firms and sector experts to try and get a handle on where the work is likely to come from over the next 12 months.
We’ll also address the skills shortage in the construction industry. CITB-ConstructionSkills – the sector skills council for the industry which looks after training, supports initiatives and encourages work opportunities – says the number of 16-19 years olds in the industry has fallen by 52 per cent since 2008 while 17 per cent of the workforce are now within 10 years of retirement. The number of older workers aged 55 years and over in the industry has increased by 65 per cent since 1990, while those aged 24 and under has fallen by more than 40 per cent over the same period. We’ll ask construction industry specialists how the sector can plug this gap.
Editorial enquiries Sam Metcalf or call 0115 959 7951
Editorial deadline Friday 30th September 2011