Teachers call for construction skills shortage help

"It's not on life support, but it's getting that way."

That's the stark assessment on the state of the UK's construction sector by David Quinton, the vocational learning area manager at South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), a public body sponsored by the Department for Education, has predicted the UK will need more than a quarter of a million people to enter the sector by 2028 if it's to fulfil existing output.

This equates to just over 42,000 additional workers in the South West, and there is particular demand for carpenters, plumbers and brick layers.

The government says it recognises the sector is "vital to driving growth" and is putting in £140m to fund an additional 5,000 more apprenticeships a year.

But Mr Quinton believes more needs to be done to tailor the academic side of the qualifications to the industry's needs, and it needs to be more attractive for businesses to take on qualified students.

"The problem is multi-faceted," he said.

"Industry itself is still relying on a bit of an old boy's network of someone who knows someone down the pub to take somebody on.

"There is a lot of emphasis on young people having grade fours in Maths and English [GCSE qualifications].

"Also, there's not a lot of incentives for companies to take on apprentices, and the complexity of the levy which is in place for apprenticeship funding isn't helping either."

SGS College has about 1,200 full time students and apprentices studying courses such as electrical, bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing across its two sites in Filton and Stroud.

Just 30% of those studying full time for level one and two qualifications will go on to get apprenticeships or jobs in construction, with the remaining 70% either entering other industries or falling out of employment.

The high number of workers retiring from the industry, reduction In trained workers coming in from overseas and the inability to convert and retain trainees in to employment means there's a severe challenges when it comes to the medium and long term future viability of the sector.

"What the government needs to look at is to put pathways in so [full time students] can secure pathways in to industry, and employers need incentives to take these people on," Mr Quinton said.

"[Employers should] almost see further education providers as a job centre, which they don't, which is a shame."

The vocational learning area manager, who has 40 years' experience in the industry, believes better careers advice should be offered to those who might find construction a good fit, and more should be done to attract young women in to the sector.

Charles Smith is the head lecturer for the Stroud Bricklaying Academy at SGS College. He predicts there will be serious consequences if nothing changes over the coming five years.

"The standard will suffer, we'll be looking at a much lower standard of work," he said.

"[And] quite simply they'll be a housing crisis."

Despite the current cracks, there is hope the foundations of the industry can be fixed.

Mr Smith said there are lots of opportunities for those entering construction and he is optimistic the skills gap will start to close with proper investment.

"There's loads of work out there," he added.

"There's clearly a massive need for bricklayers in the industry itself, with lots of housing projects going on, particularly in the Stroud area.

"They just need more of us."

Will West is a Level 2 bricklaying student at SGC College.

The 18-year-old is certain he's chosen the right career path.

"Lots of people go for office jobs, but for me it didn't suit the person I am," he said.

"I'd rather be doing something that's hands on, outside, something that's active rather than someone sat at a desk stuck to a key board for eight hours a day.

"Houses always need building, so you're never really out of a job. If anything [in ten years time] it'll be better for us."

In a statement the Department for Education said it is "taking decisive action to fix years of underinvestment" in the construction sector.

A spokesperson added: "This sector is vital to driving growth through our Plan for Change and breaking down barriers to opportunity for young people.

"That is why we are working with industry to provide high-quality training opportunities and build a diverse workforce fit for the future.

"We also recently announced a £140m industry investment for 5,000 more construction apprenticeships per year, and 32 new Homebuilding Skills Hubs across the country to deliver fast-track training for areas most in need of housing."

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