The UK construction industry could be missing the essential management skills to help it overcome the effects of recession, according to new research.
In a poll of 1,450 construction employers, conducted by Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council, CITB-ConstructionSkills, skills gaps such as understanding the implications of green issues (43%), identifying potential new business (39%) and not having sufficient IT skills (43%) were all areas picked out by industry managers and supervisors as lacking in their organisations.
In addition, a third (32%) of employers said that keeping up to date with the latest innovations, products and techniques was an important concern for their business. A further 32% also stated that their management team’s ability to identify the training needs of staff was an area that needed improvement.
Interestingly, the Management and Supervisory Skills (M&SS) report which was jointly published by CITB-ConstructionSkills and IFF Research, highlights how green and low carbon issues are becoming increasingly important for employers in the construction industry. Since 2007, 16% more employers see the importance of delivering sustainable practices.
On a broader level, the M&SS report, found that for almost all the skills areas investigated, at least a quarter of employers were experiencing skills gaps.
Responding to these figures, CITB-ConstructionSkills has renewed its commitment to implement measures that help to deliver the right skills for economic growth locally and nationally. These initiatives include campaigns such as Cut the Carbon, which helps educate SMEs on green skills, and the Management and Supervisory Development Programme, which awards funding to industry federations to help senior staff improve their leadership abilities.
Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: ?’The results of the M&SS research clearly show that employers in the UK are aware of the challenges currently facing them and the wider industry. The sector is still going through testing times, and management and supervisory skills will be crucial to helping businesses to prepare for the upturn from 2013.’
‘Through the M&SS research, CITB-ConstructionSkills is listening to the views of employers and will use the data to help shape the solutions that we currently offer to the industry, such as M&SDP funding. We are committed to helping the industry overcome any skills gaps, and to ensuring that our managers and leaders are among the best in the country.’
The M&SS research follows the launch of CITB-ConstructionSkills’ £10m Growth Fund, which is now open to applications from businesses seeking to develop skills in the areas of sustainability, collaborative working and productivity.
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