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 | | INNOVATION KEY TO SKILLS SHORTAGE SOLUTION | | | Speedy Hire | | 27/11/2007 | | | Too much emphasis is currently being placed on recruitment as the solution to dealing with the fast-growing construction sector, according to the UK's largest tool and equipment hire business, Speedy Hire.
Speedy Hire supports the view that a significant number of people are required to join the sector over the next five years - however believes more needs to be done to encourage contractors to adopt modern working techniques and new innovative labour-saving tools.
The business, which operates over 500 depots throughout the UK, is also concerned that if resources and time continues to be focussed on recruitment and training, it could act as a disincentive to future productivity breakthroughs.
ConstructionSkills announced earlier this year that in order for the industry to keep pace with a predicted 11 per cent growth over the next five years, 87,600 new recruits will be required each year.
To help deal with the problem, the Government-led organisation plans to launch a series of initiatives including national skills academies on large building sites to provide training for would-be construction workers. The first of these, a £600m development by British Land in London's Bishopsgate, started last year.
Claudio Veritiero, Head of UK Trading at Speedy Hire said: "The construction output in the UK is predicted to see double-digit growth between now and 2011, mainly caused by a surge in schools construction, increased spending on transport and projects for the London Olympics.
"No one can deny there's a need for new entrants into the sector and we're fully supportive of the work that organisations such as ConstructionSkills are doing. There are numerous factors that affect the shortage of supply and it's important that the different solutions that exist work hand in hand.
"Some contractors have made huge strides in the way they work in recent years, as have tool manufacturers. There are a significant number of labour saving tools coming on to the market at the moment and it's important that contractors large and small are encouraged to use them more.
"We will continue to work closely with the industry to develop products that can significantly enhance productivity levels, but it's important that the pace of change picks up."
A £4.7 billion government programme to renew or rebuild every secondary school in the country will be the largest single project over the next five years.
Infrastructure output is also expected to be one of the strongest national drivers for new work, with significant railway station expansions and refurbishments planned. | |
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