The Lost Hours Report by Skillcast has highlighted that the construction sector is losing around 556,324 hours per year while not closing the skills gap
That many hours in inefficient and mandatory construction training equates to around £10.9m going to waste.
Due to inefficient delivery, the training also often removes time for actual skill development, making it redundant.
Over-delivery of training is the key issue
Much of the training that goes to waste is centred on health and safety, and compliance. While these are important aspects, especially with tight timelines, labour shortages, and the risks of working on site, the report determines that there is too much importance put on this training and employees attend new training for them when there is no need.
This leaves less time for developing other equally important skills, including advanced site management, digital construction techniques, sustainability practices, and leadership.
The report backs this up with data that shows a pattern of increased time on mandatory training leading to higher numbers of employees that are not considered fully proficient in their roles.
Vivek Dodd, CEO of Skillcast, said: “It’s not just the time and money spent on training itself but the missed opportunities to develop employees’ skills in a way that delivers value.
“In construction, where safety, compliance and productivity are critical, getting training right is essential. However, too often teams are required to repeat the same training regardless of experience, which can reduce engagement and take time away from developing higher-value skills.
“Essential training doesn’t have to be time-consuming – in fact, it’s often better when it’s not because employees are more likely to engage in it. Targeted sessions, based on an individual’s skills requirements and role, ensure they’re meeting the standard while also giving them back time for building their professional and specialist skills.”
The report can be read in full here.
Building safety skills are being targeted by the government
In March, the government announced a fund of £70m to improve the shortage of building safety skills.
The money is expected to fund 700 new registered building inspectors and lead to the upskilling of a substantial part of the existing workforce. This will include Class 3H inspectors and fire engineers.
£55m will be allocated to Building Control, while £15m will go to the Fire Engineering sector.
Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, Samantha Dixon, said: “We’re boosting the building safety workforce to get more skilled building inspectors and fire engineers into the system quickly to keep people safe and unlock the new homes this country needs.
“This is a vital step in building 1.5 million safe homes and ensuring we continue to deliver on lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.”
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