The best way to predict the future is to invent it
In our final article focusing on apprenticeships, Russell Thompson takes the long view and asks how we can create a thriving sector that young people want to be a part of.
Part 3 - The Long View
They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. It feels as though we could apply this to apprenticeships within our sector. That’s not to say there aren’t pockets of best practice, because there are. However, we have a big problem and it’s not going away. The best way to predict the future is to invent it.
With 750,000 construction tradespeople expected to retire in the next 15 years and a further requirement of 250,00 to meet the retrofit agenda, where are all these people coming from? If you have tried to have work done at home you will have felt how the shortage of skilled tradespeople is affecting everyone.
If we are really going to make a difference and transform what we do, then we need to invent the future. It’s up to us to get on and create where we go next!
So, why are young people not keen on construction? It’s one of the UK’s least digitised industries - to quote:
Today’s young people were born into a digital world; they’ve grown up alongside technology. Young people, our digital natives, are fluent in technology and can’t comprehend a world without superfast broadband or smart technology. This is the language they speak — it’s what they know, it’s what they like. *
It’s also possible that parents and teachers present a poor perception of the construction industry. In our age of helicopter parenting, parents who are eager to see their child do well will usher them towards university. Consequently, bright young people are guided towards other careers, not usually construction.
But construction needs some of these talented youngsters — to build sustainable accommodation, to create space for a growing population and to discover better ways of doing things. We must make a career in construction more appealing for the young generation. *
This is no different for our sector – it’s intrinsically linked and our future apprentices need the security of tenure and a permanent job at the outset. One where investment, mentoring, development, the right training and ultimately competency in all that they do is paramount.
There is no overnight fix to this problem, however together we need to begin to think differently about how we do things, why we do them and what do we need to ensure we can deliver our activities with not just a workforce for now but very much for the future.
I love the quote from the film Field of Dreams:
If you build it they will come
So I guess the challenge to us all is we need to build and create something that young people want to be a part of!
* UK Construction Media: The Skills Shortage and the Rising Cost of Construction
References
1.1 Although there are endless opportunities in various trades, many young people are simply not choosing a career in construction. According to YouGov Omnibus research, only 3% of young people aged between 18-24 have searched for a job in the construction industry.
1.2 Industry leaders have called on the government to consider proposals developed by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank.
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About the Author
Russell Thompson FCIOB | Chair, Direct Works
Russell is the Managing Director of Places Management at Places for People and has responsibility for delivering repairs, maintenance and capital investment programmes for the Group’s Affordable Housing portfolio for England and Scotland. Russell has a wealth of experience in assets, DLOs & property management having spent most of his career within the social housing sector. Russell is Chair of Direct Works, a membership group of 130 housing providers, and sits on the National Housing Federation’s national group "Quality of Existing Homes". He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and is Vice Chair of the York Hub Committee. He also has a non-executive role with Prosper a Northeast Procurement consultancy.
Russell is passionate about making a difference and helping others to be successful and is committed to changing the way we do things for the benefit of future generations.
