There are currently over 140,000 construction job vacancies across the UK, highlighting a severe construction skills shortage
The construction skills shortage is becoming so prominent that housing and infrastructure projects are now facing serious delays.
This issue will be a key thread in talks and workshops at UK Construction Week London (Excel, 12-14 May), alongside a deep dive into the ongoing culture change needed to attract young talent to the sector.
Dedicated hub to address UK construction skills shortage
The Culture Change & Skills Stage at UK Construction Week is a dedicated hub that addresses the construction industry’s most pressing human-centric challenges.
These include work shortage, the need for new skills, and the adoption of a more inclusive and safer work culture.
New to UKCW London this year, visitors can build their own agenda, tailored to their job role, sector and interests.
CPD-accredited talks to bring new talent into construction
UK Construction Week will hold a packed schedule of CPD-accredited talks on the Culture Change & Skills Stage to address the construction skills shortage.
They include:
Tuesday, 12 May, 12.30 pm
Promoting Purpose, Progression and Pride: Bringing the Next Generation into Construction – How stronger storytelling can help construction connect with the next generation by showcasing purpose, clear career progression, and pride in the work the industry delivers. Panellists: Dan Hinsley (Retinue Solutions); Kim Kerr (Hilti Northern Europe); Tim Balcon (CITB)
Wednesday, 13 May, 11.30 am
The Inclusion Newsroom: Breaking News, Breaking Bias – A fast-paced, newsroom-style live show uncovering the real state of inclusion in construction – using live findings from the industry-wide “Inclusive Leadership” survey.
Thursday, 14 May, 11.45 am
Building the Future Workforce: Closing the Construction Skills Gap – The discussion will focus on practical ways to engage young people, create inclusive and diverse career pathways, and ensure the workforce of the future has the skills needed to deliver a more sustainable built environment. Panellists: Faith Abudu (Diversity & Inclusion in Construction); Fiona Henderson (Mace Group); Jess Hart (Future For All); Prince Sithole (Jackson Civil Engineering); Vicky Cole (Retinue Solutions)
Furthermore, the stage will host the announcement of the shortlist for this year’s UKCW Role Models (Thursday, 14 May 12.40 pm) across all three categories – Rising Star, Pioneer and Icon – and will offer a glimpse of some of the exceptional work of the shortlisted individuals.
Sam Patel, divisional director, UK Construction Week London, commented: “Our own research has shown that the construction industry suffers from an image problem, and culture change plays a key part in turning that around – vital if we are to close the skills gap needed to help the industry flourish.
“Anyone passionate about the sector should make time for at least one of the talks on the Culture Change & Skills Stage at this year’s UK Construction Week London.”
About UK Construction Week
Bringing together construction leaders, innovators and decision makers from across the industry, UKCW London will run alongside both Futurebuild and The Stone & Surfaces Show to create the UK’s Built Environment super event, attracting over 25,000 industry professionals.
Sponsored by Sage, Wyre, HotelPlanner, Zurich Resilience Solutions, and Build Warranty, UKCW London will feature over 300 leading brands and over 25 trade bodies and associations, including the Federation of Master Builders, CIBSE, and the National Association of Air Duct-Cleaners UK.
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