THE MAGAZINE FOR THE DRAINAGE, WATER & WASTEWATER INDUSTRIES
EDITOR’S PICKS
technology is advancing all the time. In terms of innovation, progress is being made across three key areas:
Sensing and data collection: advances in asset inspection techniques, such as fibre-optic inspection and acoustic condition assessment; improved water quality monitoring; satellite sensing; and systems for real-time collection of maintenance data from field teams
Data analysis: artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied to data in real- time and in diverse applications,
including automated customer call answering, triaging work orders, pattern- matching of acoustic signals to leak size, and AI co-pilots for utility operations
Strategy and planning: progression to AI being applied to calculate probability-of- failure of assets, and move away from age-based prioritisation
Successful adoption of new innovations depends on the stage of digitalisation utilities are at - significant organisational transformation is required for datasets to be brought together to enable
application beyond point-of-concept stages. If this transformation is achieved, many more opportunities will present themselves – even those that may currently seem like a pipedream.
Imagine an AI assistant interface that can answer any question about your assets in a conversational manner. It is a long journey of digitalisation, data aggregation and analysis in the industry to get there, but the well-publicised advances of ChatGPT have proven this really is possible.
Is now the best time to work in trades? Looking at the current
The UK is currently facing a pressing challenge: the shortage of skilled tradespeople. In an era of globalisation and evolving job preferences, coupled with the impact of Brexit, the shortage of qualified professionals in the trades has reached a critical juncture.
Skilled tradespeople, from electricians to carpenters and plumbers, have long been the foundation of the country's infrastructure. However, we find ourselves at a turning point where the demand for skilled trades is soaring while the supply struggles to keep up.
Here, we explore the current skills shortage, delve into the reasons behind this deficit and offer insights on how to overcome it.
The skills shortage crisis
Over the years, the skills shortage in the UK trades sector has become increasingly pronounced and has now reached a critical level.
According to About Apprenticeships, the country requires almost 940,000 new recruits in trades and construction over the next 10 years, with nearly 250,000
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qualified apprentices needed to avoid the skills gap worsening. This is an increase of 34% above the current levels.
The skills gap is being exacerbated by an ageing workforce – with a third expected to retire in the next decade – as well as other factors, including:
■ A migrating workforce: Skilled brits are increasingly seeking opportunities overseas, lured by competitive salaries and favourable working conditions. There has been a huge increase in online searches for trade jobs in different countries, with people favouring Australia and Saudi Arabia, amongst others.
■ Young people opting for alternative career paths: One of the most pressing issues is the dwindling number of young people pursuing careers in the trades and taking on apprenticeships. Many are opting for university degrees instead, creating a gap in the pipeline of new talent entering the industry. An added challenge is the lack of promotion within the education system of apprenticeships, encouraging young people to enrol in this rewarding career
skills shortage across the UK Article by Josh Meek, Principal Consultant at Sellick Partnership
route. Ensuring that these people understand the opportunities and prospects is crucial to success within the industry.
■ Brexit: The aftermath of Brexit has introduced complexities in the immigration landscape, making it a challenge for foreign tradespeople to work in the UK which has limited the talent pool.
■ Covid-19: Like many industries, the Covid-19 pandemic caused the trades sector to take a hit, with delays in training which led to some people changing careers.
Overcoming the skills shortage
Recognising and addressing the skills shortage is vital for the UK’s continued growth and development. However, despite posing significant challenges, it also presents a unique opportunity for those considering a career in trades for several reasons:
■ High demand: The demand for skilled tradespeople in the UK is soaring. From infrastructure projects to home renovations, the need for
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