Contractor firm Forrest has launched a new scheme aimed at promoting the opportunities for young people in the construction sector…
The skills shortage is undoubtedly the greatest barrier to progress in the construction industry at the present. Addressing this challenge is neither easy nor will it be quick. The government has put forward significant support for apprenticeship schemes, in the hope this will give the sector the skilled workers needed. However, at this stage it is likely the industry will be playing catch up and will fail to produce the numbers needed to deliver government infrastructure and housing projects.
In a bid to encourage young people into the construction industry contractor Forrest has launched a new initiative to promote training and development opportunities available. It is hoped the programme will attract new talent to the sector and will improve the public perception of construction.
Construction ambassadors will engage with communities, schools and at career events to show young people what the sector has to offer.
Forrest will utilise the expertise of its staff from across its business to take these ambassador roles. They will share details of their job, the scope for progression, and offer advice on preparing for interviews. Ambassadors will come from roles such as apprentices right up to senior management.
Forrest’s head of people Paul Rigby said: “Given the misconceptions about the limited kinds of career opportunities available to young people in construction, it’s more important than ever for contractors to showcase their commitment to long-term training and development.
“The Forrest Construction Ambassadors scheme aims to address this image problem and, alongside our established apprenticeship programme, will help to highlight all kinds of roles and encourage the next generation of skilled workers into the fold.”
