The economy has picked up, projects are getting the green light and everyone is talking about house prices rising. As forecast the construction sector is experiencing a boom and evidence of a skills shortage is already starting to cause problems. Pay for construction workers has risen sharply, a sure sign that there is a shortage of skilled individuals in this sector.
Skills shortages are also being predicted in Engineering and IT. Ask any recruitment consultant working in these sectors and they will tell you that finding experienced, well qualified, candidates in these sectors is turning into a game of find the needle in the haystack.
The current situation is making life difficult for construction businesses and recruiters alike, with some construction companies reportedly not tendering for new contracts due to the scarcity of skilled workers. Many young people who had embarked on careers in these trades were put off by the lack of opportunities during the economic downturn, it is hoped that they’ll now be tempted back. Training and the availability of funding for apprenticeships and courses are going to be key to training the right staff and managing this shortage. In the short term though rising salaries are great news if you are a skilled worker in one of these shortage areas.
