Increasing skills shortage hampers construction firms

66% of small construction firms are being forced by chronic skills shortages to refuse new business.

The most recent survey by the Federation of Master Builders also detailed how close to 50% of firms have been forced to outsource work to third parties to avoid leaving projects unfinished.

The report highlighted how a lack of apprenticeships is holding back participants from joining the industry while a perceived low wages for tradespeople is another problem.

However, FMB research demonstrates how by the age of 23 a bricklayer with five years’ experience can earn up to £31 000 rising in some cases to £52 000 in London.

The Federation of Master Builders also claim that young people are not going into trade because of the pressure to stay in full time education.

This emphasis on our skill shortage comes in line with the publication of GCSE and A Level results for school pupils across the UK.

Edited from various sources by Joseph Green. Sources: ITV, Construction Enquirer, Financial Times

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/19082015/increasing-skills-shortage-hampers-construction-firms-403/