DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION


Jackie O’ Brien Head of Learning and Development for Finning


W


ith 390,000 staff leaving the construction industry in the downturn since 2008 and according to recent Construction Industry Training Board data, a further 410,000


due to retire, there is a real need to attract new talent into the industry.


The plant sector is certainly not immune to the skills shortage issue and is probably under more pressure than other areas of construction to attract everyone from engineers to operators.


#borntobuild


There are two main reasons for this: The first is the rapid development of new technology, which requires a different skillset for maintaining equipment. The second is the scope of the different sectors in which we operate, from mining, quarrying, waste and recycling to a strong focus on plant hire in the general construction industry.


With ‘CPA Stars of the Future’ and social media campaigns like #BorntoBuild looking to attract young people into the construction industry and address the negative image associated with it, we can see that some work is being done. However, this alone will not be enough to cope with the demands and upturn of the construction market.


We as a sector need to work together far more collaboratively to attract talent, develop skills and celebrate success. We also need to give people a designated pathway to development throughout their career in the sector.


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