[ Spotlight: 2021 Vision report ]
contractors expected to change working practices to allow greater efficiency. This will involve working more closely with both the designer and the main contractor, and often dealing with more knowledgeable customers. There will be new approaches to procurement, and
changes to the relationship between main contractor and electrical contractor. In recent weeks, the government has announced the setting up of a construction board, with the task of cutting public construction costs by 20 per cent. Companies that respond to this, contributing cost saving ideas, will benefit. The government has said it will encourage increased use
of small- and medium-sized contractors on public sector projects, providing new opportunities for many electrical contractors. Government policy is driving towards simplification of
regulations as well as harmonisation of EU standards. It remains to be seen if Part P will become stronger or weaker as a result. However, there will be other measures to introduce codes of practices and certification for all contractor categories, which should strengthen the position of the fully qualified electrical contractor who can keep up to date with new technologies and systems. Building Regulations will demand that buildings are
increasingly energy efficient, creating opportunities to install renewable energy systems. Crossover of trades will create opportunities for electrical contractors who are prepared to add new skills, but marginalise those who are not.
Future skills While the need for the traditional electrical contractor will remain, it will be only one of a range of skills. At a higher level will be the electrical contractor who acts as an energy manager, advising on installations and fine-tuning them once installed. At a lower level, there will be a need for a less skilled person who is merely connecting components together. Because of the number of controls in heating, cooling
and hot water systems, as well as renewable energy, there will be a cross-over between trades. While the need for electrical wiring will be far greater, the de-skilling will mean that tradesmen from other disciplines can install, reducing the opportunity for the electrical contractor. In the medium term, we can expect a shortage of electrical
contractors, and initiatives will need to be taken to bring in new people to the industry, increasing apprenticeships. To encourage take up, the method of funding will be changed. Electrical contractors will also have to respond to the new market economy by being more customer focused and promoting their services more effectively.
Conclusion The electrical contracting industry probably has a much brighter outlook than any other group of specialist contractors in the construction sector. A raft of initiatives mean much more work, and the electrical contractor has the opportunity to build a reputation for expertise and provision of impartial advice, so becoming more influential. Electrical contractors can work as advisers in a problem-solving role, assessing buildings to determine work required, then fitting new systems and components. There is also an opportunity to instruct building occupants on how to use their systems.
Building design and construction will change with increased use of modular systems and components
What you told us: summary of the NICEIC and ECA survey
By 2020 the government estimates that the renewable heat sector will have grown to include:
n More training for small businesses in new technology and skills – 97 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n New products to enable sustainable new build and renovation of existing properties – 96 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Green Deal leading to upgrading 500,000 homes per year – 96 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Smart meters in every home – 95 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n More apprenticeships – 95 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Public confidence in competency of contractors – 94 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Local renewable energy and power network grids – 94 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Intelligent buildings with integrating control systems – 94 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Fifteen per cent of UK total energy to come from renewable sources by 2020 – 93 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n New skills required for installation and maintenance of new technology – 92 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Funding for training via further education loans – 88 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Computer literate multi-skilled workers who understand how differing trades must fit together – 77 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Greater use of wireless technology – 76 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Increased certification of contractors – 71 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n New forms of procurement and contract between main contractor and sub-contractor – 64 per cent consider this to be an opportunity.
n Changing government policy – 51 per cent consider this to be a threat
n Crossover of trades requiring multi-skilling – 60 per cent consider this to be a threat.
n More competitive industry – 61 per cent consider this to be a threat.
n More components in new build manufactured off- site, reducing amount of skilled craftsmen on site – 79 per cent consider this to be a threat.
n Lower-skilled workforce doing work currently done by tradespersons – 98 per cent consider this to be a threat.
July 2011 ECA Today 37
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