The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has launched an Industry Skills Plan - the first sector-wide skills plan for the industry developed by the industry.
The strategy covers 2021-2025 and sets out the key challenges facing construction in skills, as well as a series of actions and commitments for both industry and Government to help tackle them.
The four main areas covered by the plan are:
- Careers
- Standards and Qualifications
- Training, Education and Development
- Culture and Working Environment.
Mark Reynolds, group chief executive of Mace and CLC member, said: 'This is the most ambitious and wide-ranging skills plan the construction sector has ever produced. It should have a far-reaching impact on how we attract, retain and develop people in construction and help deliver upon Government’s home-building and infrastructure plans.
'Many of the challenges we address in this plan will require a shared commitment over years, so the hard work starts now to deliver real and lasting change for the benefit of the whole sector.'
The plan has a focus on boosting routes into industry, and developing new competence frameworks.
New training standards will be set in two areas. Firstly, to support the drive towards net zero fossil fuel emissions and secondly for 'smart construction' to develop digital and offsite construction skills.
An industry standard for work experience and a 'Talent View' to provide 'a one-stop-shop for new entrants' will be created under the plan.
Up to 7,000 STEM Ambassadors will be encouraged to join the sector-specific Construction and Built Environment scheme, with a target of 1,700 fully supported by 2024, the CLC said.
A set of new construction traineeship programmes and a pathway from further education into construction will also be developed.
The CLC said it supports the drive towards increased direct employment and that the plan supports Government mandates on direct employment through procurement.
Sarah Beale, chief executive of CITB and chair of the CLC Skills Network, said: 'While the past year has been incredibly challenging for all of us, Industry has pulled together more than ever before, and this plan is the result.
'We now all need to get behind this plan, and support sector-wide initiatives such as the Talent Retention Scheme, STEM Ambassadors and the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect programme. There’s no doubt that if this spirit of collaboration continues and this plan is delivered, Industry will be much better able to attract new talent and meet upcoming skills and productivity challenges.'
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