CITB Training Needed to Stem Skills Shortage

A recent report has highlighted that there has been growth within the construction industry. This can only be good news for companies operating within the market. However, it does bring up issues concerning the availability of appropriate labour (as staff should hold CITB training to ensure they are working safely) and a rise in the cost of materials and labour.

A Construction Products Association report showed that there has been a rapid growth across the construction industry. It is the first time in the last six years that the industry has recorded growth for four quarters in a row. Activity amongst the new-build sector is rising particularly fast and there is strong optimism about the next 12 months.

Along with a rise in activity levels, there has also been an increase in the prices paid through tenders. During the first quarter of 2014, there was an increase in the number of companies that saw rising tender prices: 47% of companies had seen a rise against just 2% for the last quarter of 2013. However, a large proportion of this increase is taken away by the rises in the costs of materials and labour. 50% of companies that took part in the survey reported that there had been an increase in labour costs.

Recruitment Issues
This rapid growth in the market has meant that recruitment levels are struggling to keep up. As more new-build sites begin, there is a growing need for individuals who are readily available and possess the correct skills and experience. In the first quarter of 2014, 61% of companies had problems recruiting bricklayers; this figure was only 41% at the end of 2013.

The construction industry’s Council and Industry Training Board (CITB) works alongside the industry to ensure that all employees are sufficiently qualified and safe. CITB training consists of a number of different courses which can be adapted depending on the requirements of the individual or company.

If the construction industry is to be able to deal with this rise in activity, then they need to focus on having a trained and experienced team behind them. CITB training is one route to achieving this.

At ACT we offer a range of training courses, including CITB training, City and Guilds, NEBOSH and IOSH. Our website provides comprehensive details on our full range, or one of our team will be happy to assist you with your requirements.