17 October 2023
Construction Thought Leaders Discuss Challenges in the Sector
Ellie Carswell MRICS, Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis
Ellie Carswell, the winner of the Constructing Excellence SECBE G4C Future Leader Award in 2022, joined the SECBE Board to contribute to the organisation’s vision of fostering a supportive environment for new talents in the sector. Not only is she an accomplished professional but also an advocate of the diverse range of opportunities within the construction industry on a mission to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.
With her dedication and expertise, Ellie is the perfect candidate to share insights on tackling the skills crisis and share thoughts on practical solutions.
Our industry has come so far in the past decade, yet why are we still experiencing a skills crisis? With the huge advancement in digital technologies, more sustainable building methods, and a greater awareness of mental health in the workplace, a career in construction could not be more exciting, you would think. So, let’s dig deeper (pardon the pun!) into the root causes of this significant issue.
The Construction Skills Network has estimated that an additional 225,000 workers may be required in our industry by 2027. This presents significant recruitment and training challenges for many businesses, especially given that the number of construction-related employees are estimated to be 2% lower than pre-pandemic times, despite 15.3% growth in new commissions. So, what’s slowing down this recruitment drive?
For an industry that has moved at such pace recently in relation to sustainability and embracing the efficiencies of the digital age, it can be argued that we have not evolved quickly enough when it comes to mindset. According to a Deloitte study, whilst financial security is deemed important, Generation Z value salary less than any other generation and, instead, favour companies that demonstrate a commitment to society, its communities, and its people.
Our industry has the power to significantly improve the world that we live in, but this has to start with the wellness of our employees. Without them, the future of construction is at risk.
We drive so much enthusiasm and commitment into the wellness of a building itself, such as its energy performance, sustainability targets, and value for money. Why don’t we do this with the people that are delivering it too?
We have many extraordinary people already in the sector, people that have the potential to help transform the sector’s mindset and approaches. Many are already involved in SECBE’s Innovative Future Leaders Programme, forging connections with other progressive companies to help drive positive change through their own organisations and the wider sector.
As the saying goes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and it won’t be unless we learn to water our own patch of grass to encourage people to both join and stay for years to come.
This crisis cannot be ignored or underestimated. For a crisis that has been brewing for a number of years, not enough has been done to reverse it. So, my question to you, what can you do to shift existing mindsets in our industry to effect positive change?