A 10 point plan to overcome the construction and infrastructure skills gap
On 28 November 2016, contractor Laing O’Rourke published 'A 10-point plan to overcome the UK's construction and infrastructure skills gap.'
The report suggests that: 'The skills gap is one of the biggest challenges facing the construction and infrastructure sector. However, too much of the focus to date has been on analysing the underlying problems of the skills gap with insufficient emphasis on the solutions necessary to bridge it. ...[Laing O'Rourke's] direct employment model is mutually reinforcing: our employees enjoy continuity of work, benefits and investment in their ongoing development and we benefit from an engaged and retained workforce. This model and culture is focussed, sustainable and long-term.'
Laing O’Rourke’s 10-point plan to close the skills gap is:
- Flex the government’s planned Apprenticeship Levy and reduce delays to approval of ‘Trailblazer Apprenticeship’ standards.
- Create regionally-focused skills pipelines.
- Increase the availability of Russell Group university standard part-time degree apprenticeships.
- Review options for career-transitioning apprenticeships.
- Introduce GCSEs and A-levels in design, engineering and construction (DEC) disciplines.
- Foster collaboration between industry and government to deliver a broader range of improved careers advice for construction and engineering.
- Commit the industry to measurable improvements in diversity.
- Seize the opportunity presented by the creation of the new Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
- Support the creation of a single construction and infrastructure skills body - merging the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) with the Engineering Construction Training Board.
- Facilitate the ongoing professional development of a directly employed workforce.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 3 ways the world’s fastest growing economies can close the infrastructure gap.
- Achieving carbon targets and bridging the skills gap.
- Apprenticeships levy.
- Boardroom to building site skills gap survey.
- Construction apprenticeships.
- Construction Industry Training Board CITB.
- Flexible working in engineering services.
- National Infrastructure Plan for Skills.
- Queen's Speech 2021.
- Recommendations for implementation of the National Retrofit Strategy.
- Tackling the construction skills shortage.
- The real deal - at last?
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.