The latest CITB Construction Skills Network forecast shows for the first time since the downturn, rising spending on housing, leisure and infrastructure will deliver growth in every region of the UK.
To deal with the upswing in workloads the industry needs to recruit almost 45,000 workers annually – 8,000 more than predicted last year at the start of the recovery.
The annual forecast predicts that commercial work will expand at the same pace as housing estimated at 4.6% annually over the forecast period to 2019.
Total construction employment is projected to reach 2.74m in 2019, still a little below its peak level in 2008 of 2.86m.
New recruits annually for each region
A resurgence of growth and employment in the north of England has the potential to create an economic power base in the region, with the North West set to grow by 2.5%, the North East by 2.3%, and Yorkshire and Humber by 2.3% annually, over the forecast period.
The biggest regional growth will be seen in Wales, which is predicted to grow by almost 6% year-on-year and create as many as 5,320 jobs in the next five years.
Scotland is expected to see a drop in growth from 2% to 1.1% over the next five years, as a result of completed infrastructure projects associated with the re-development of the M8 and the Commonwealth Games, but infrastructure investment remains at historic levels.
Demand is projected to be strongest for construction trades supervisors (2.9% a year on average), for the professional occupations strongest growth is likely for architects and surveyors (both 2.3% a year on average), and for trades, leading the way is plant operatives (2.1%) and bricklayers and building envelope specialists (both 2%). Demand is also expected to be strong for logistics personnel (2.2%).
Steve Radley, CITB’s Director of Policy and Strategic Planning, said: “Employers will need to pull every lever available to them to meet the skills challenge they face but government can play a vital role in giving them the confidence to invest in training for the long-term.
“CITB is already identifying future skills needs and working with government and industry on the talent pipeline.
“But to help it plan ahead, industry needs a clear commitment from all political parties in the run up to the General Election that infrastructure projects will be delivered on time and to plan in the next Parliament.”
Government can also help employers to develop the next generation of workers by sending out a clear signal that it will make it as simple as possible for companies of all sizes to invest in apprenticeships.”
The CITB is calling for:
- Continued commitment from all parties to deliver the National Infrastructure Plan
- Renewed focus on improving the quality and delivery of careers advice in schools to attract the next generation of construction workers.
- Government investment in the energy efficiency and retrofit market
- Industry and government to back CITB’s industry-wide campaign to create clear and accessible pathways into construction for people from all backgrounds.
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To download a full copy of the CSN report click here.
