Setting out the key skills challenges for construction, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has produced a first sector-wide skills plan.

Published on Thursday 11 March 2021, the Industry Skills Plan sets out the key challenges for construction sector outlining how they will be tackled by both industry and Government.

Exploring a range of issues under four main groupings, the plan sets out a series of clear actions and public commitments on:

• Careers
• Standards and Qualifications
• Training, Education and Development
• Culture and Working Environment

To improve the attractiveness of construction careers and access to them, an online Talent View portal will be created, providing a one-stop-shop for new entrants and an industry standard for work experience.

In addition, up to 7,000 STEM Ambassadors will be encouraged to join the sector-specific Construction and Built Environment scheme, with a target of 1,700 fully supported by 2024.

A set of new construction traineeship programmes, and a pathway from Further Education into construction, will be developed in order to support and boost routes into the industry.

There will be a move to develop new competence frameworks. New training standards will be set to support the drive towards Net Zero fossil fuel emissions, and for smart construction to develop digital and offsite construction skills.

The plan also supports Government mandates on direct employment through procurement.

Claire Clifford, head of business support and corporate services at ACE, said: “The Plan will help the industry work together, upskill the current workforce, and welcome the next generation of diverse talent. I’m looking forward to exploring these future-focused initiatives with ACE members, which will be vital if we are to remain an attractive industry to work for."

Sarah Beale, chief executive of CITB and chair of the CLC skills network, said: “We all need to get behind this plan, and support sector-wide initiatives such as the Talent Retention Scheme, STEM Ambassadors and the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect programme. There’s no doubt that if this spirit of collaboration continues and this plan is delivered, Industry will be much better able to attract new talent and meet upcoming skills and productivity challenges.”

Find out more at the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) website where you can download your copy of the Industry Skills Plan.