What does 2017 hold for the infrastructure industry?
The start of 2017 has seen an exciting time for UK infrastructure, with the Government backing several major projects and talks of an even bigger pipeline that would completely transform the future of the infrastructure industry.
It is believed that within the construction and engineering industry alone, the UK needs at least 400,000 new staff by 2020. However, the skills shortage has reached its highest in 20 years and questions are being asked around whether the UK has access to the right skills and capacity to fill the thousands of jobs that will be created.
With projects such as, Hinkley Point C and HS2 creating 25,000 construction jobs each, this will put an even bigger strain on workers within the industry.
It is clear that the construction industry faces a significant challenge over the coming years – the number of workers joining the sector is not reflecting on the demand, which is leading to a real danger that we won’t have the workers to get the projects built.
Capitalising on transferable skills will be essential for the infrastructure industry. This will help to deal with peaks and troughs during infrastructure projects, as well as identifying ways to upskill other talent pools, allowing workers to transfer their skills to a new industry.
Another way to meet the rising demand of skilled workers in the UK is to increase the number of engineering apprenticeships and graduates; more effort is needed to encourage young people into STEM related subjects.
If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunities available or the additional skills needed to make the move, contact us today on 01489 774 010.