Its time to build up the workforce

A significant number of multi-million pound construction projects in Scotland are due to kick off in 2005 and this means that skilled construction workers could once again be in short supply, according to leading recruitment consultancy, Search.

If the problem is not addressed now, Search argues, there could be a return to the bad old days of skills shortages holding back both individual projects and overall economic progress in Scotland.

Neil McLaughlan, Divisional Manager of Searchís Construction and Building Services Division in Edinburgh said, ìThe majority of employees currently working in management roles in the construction industry are in the 45-65 age bracket, and have worked their way up over the years to obtain management level positions.

ìThe problem the industry is now facing, is that there is not enough of a young skilled or qualified workforce coming through behind these people, to take over from them. Fewer candidates are choosing to enter the profession, despite the fact that there are excellent opportunities for career progression, job security and good money to be made.î

As Neil explains, the predicted skills shortage has come to light thanks to a number of lucrative new PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contracts which are scheduled for the next few years:

ìThese projects are great news for the industry and the Scottish economy. Theyíve taken a long time to work their way through the bidding processes, but now that they have, the industry is bracing itself for a boom over the next few years. A number of the industryís major players have been contracted to design, build, and in some cases manage projects, particularly the construction of local authority schools, prisons and hospitals.

ìThese multi-million pound contracts will have a hugely positive impact on the industry, and will result in a number of opportunities across all levels.î

The cyclical nature of construction has resulted in the buoyant period the industry is currently experiencing, coinciding with a shortfall in the number of workers available. This is a challenge for management but good news for jobseekers, because it means there are a number of opportunities available for people to enter an industry in which there are real prospects of career advancement.

Neil said, ìThereís never been a better time to get into the construction industry. There are many opportunities available for young people to get into the industry and work their way through the ranks relatively quickly.

Neil continued, ìA large number of management level positions will also inevitably become available as the current generation moves towards retirement, offering opportunities to move up the ladder fairly quickly for those with the right mixture of skills and experience.

ìConstruction is a fast moving and dynamic industry and demand for labour inevitably waxes and wanes but the whole sector looks worryingly lean at the moment to meet predicted levels of demand.î