Navigating the UK Skills Challenges Podcast: Episode 7
Collaboration: How the UK can bridge the Construction Skills Gap
As one of the UK’s biggest economic drivers, the UK construction industry contributes over 6% of the UK’s GVA. Yet despite this being a key UK sector, the construction industry has been identified as one with the most acute skills gaps in the UK, with deficits in traditional trades, green skills and digital skills.
To explore how this valuable sector can develop the skills required to meet current and future challenges, host Bryony Kingsland is joined by industry experts Steve Plumstead, Director for Curriculum for Construction, Land-Based, and Engineering at Kirklees College, and Paul Skitt, Education and Skills Director at Flannery Plant, who share insights on how new modes of collaboration between employers and educational institutions are transforming the UK's construction landscape, including:
- The origins of collaboration between Kirklees College and the UK’s leading plant hire provider
- How green skills and digital competencies can shape the future of the construction industry
- The role of employers in local skills improvement plans (LSIPs)
- How to meet demand for technical skills to meet current and future projects
- How Kirklees College is promoting career pathways in construction
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For more on this topic, our latest report from City & Guilds reveals that critical skills shortages in the construction sector are putting the Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes at serious risk. Read the research here.