Skill and Labour shortages.

We've gone in pretty hard on the time bomb sitting under the construction industry - the shortage of people entering the profession to replace those who are nearing retirement age. Together with the Access Group, featured in this edition of the Newsletter, we have published the numbers highlighting the trend – and suggested ways in which the problem can be ameliorated, handled within the industry, and otherwise addressed. I include the Comment from this months Construction Computing which, perhaps, puts the issues in more basic terms.

You don't need a degree in maths to face the stark truth that in ten years, or so, the problem that we are pussy-footing about today is going to hit the industry hard. We may talk about a construction industry coming back to life and profitability after 2 years of Covid, but our ability to step up a gear, as we will need to, to meet growing infrastructure demands, will be totally wrecked.

Here might be a solution. We are one of the sponsors for Futurebuild this year, and they have kindly submitted an outline on what you can expect at the show, and which covers all of the latest technologies, trends, solutions and ideas that you can expect to find there. The exhibition is open to all, so 'Take a friend!'. Approach your local school or college and ask if they have any students who might benefit from accompanying you or your representatives to Excel. Whether they have expressed an interest in the industry prior to this is immaterial. They would certainly have much to talk about with their pals when they return. The phrase 'little acorns' and 'oak trees' applies.

David Chadwick

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