The Minister for Employment has joined forces with Build UK and Class of Your Own, to launch a brand new guide that aims to attract a new workforce through work experience placements
The guide provides employers with advice on how to tailor work experience and placement opportunities for school age students, interns and career changers to welcome them into a bustling industry.
In addition, the guide includes examples of good practice for newbies to adhere to.
With almost a fifth of construction workers aged over 55 and at a time when government programmes in infrastructure and housing are underway, now has never been a better time to boost construction recruitment.
Alok Sharmer, Minister for Employment said that the construction industry plays a huge part in supporting the country. “Construction is a hugely important sector adding £138 billion a year to the economy and employing 3.1 million people.
“It’s an industry full of opportunity for a new generation – but they have to know about it and be excited about a career there if they are to make the most of what it has to offer.
“That’s exactly where work experience comes in, providing a stepping stone into the industry and a launch pad for the new generation.”
Chief Executive of Build UK, Suzannah Nichol MBE, started out on a work experience placement. “I am testament to the fact that work experience really can make a difference and it is up to each and every one of us to hold out our hand to the next generation of construction workers and show them just what they can achieve if they come and join us.
“The guidance we have published should give employers across the industry, both small and large, the information and confidence to offer more people valuable work experience and the opportunity to fall in love with a career in construction.”
Industry leader James Wates CBE of Wates agrees that work experience placements are valuable opportunities for both employers and those looking to join the industry. “Construction is in a War for Talent, and offering work experience is a great way to actively reach out to those looking to launch their careers, or those looking to make a career change, and show them what an exciting and important industry we work in.
“The construction industry is one that is constantly evolving, output is expected to grow by 1.3% over the next five years from 2018 and there are an estimated 24,000 vacancies, offering new opportunities for employees.”
In Novermber 2017, the government solidified their support for the industry with the launch of a £170 million sector deal which aimed to boost the skills of current employees through the National Retraining Scheme.
