Report Paints Optimistic Picture Of Industry Growth

The construction industry will need to recruit more than 200,000 people by 2019 if it is to deliver its expected output growth, the latest Construction Skills Network report from Experian and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has found.

Some 44,690 people a year will need to join the industry annually over the next five years, for a total of 223,450 jobs, in order to deliver an average annual output growth of 2.9 per cent, the report said.

2014's figures also mark the first time construction employment has risen since 2008. The research was optimistic about the UK economy's prospects at large, with high levels of growth expected in Wales, Greater London and the South-West.

Speaking to Construction News, CITB Director of Policy and Strategic Planning, Steve Radley, said it is possible that some regions of the UK will face skills shortages.

"If things go ahead as planned, the extent of the squeeze is predictable and manageable, but if some of the projects come together at the same time then I think there could be problems," he added.

Expert Opinion

This is a key issue for the UK economy as the construction sector is of vital importance to the country’s prosperity. <br/> <br/>“It is encouraging to see optimism about future growth and the need for 200,000 people in the next four years, but it is clear that there is a he skills gap that needs to be tackled. The last thing we want is for the industry to be held back and it is important that a new generation is encouraged into the sector as well as ensuring that those skilled tradesmen and women who left during the recession have the opportunity to come back.” <br/>