Recent years have seen a growing concern in the construction industry regarding the practical skills gap among civil and structural engineering graduates. At Structup, we recognise the importance of addressing this issue to ensure a robust and capable workforce for the future of construction. Let’s look into the current state of affairs and explore potential solutions.
The Skills Shortage Crisis
The UK construction industry is facing a significant skills shortage, with the UK Trade Skills Index 2023 indicating a need for 937,000 new recruits in the construction and trades industry over the next decade. This shortage is particularly acute in specialized fields like civil and structural engineering.
Alarming Statistics
- The construction sector has lost 300,000 workers in the past five years.
- Only 5% of students actively consider careers in construction.The government is projected to miss its target of building 300,000 new homes annually by 40%.
The Graduate Skills Gap
While universities produce a steady stream of civil and structural engineering graduates, many employers report that these graduates lack the practical skills necessary to hit the ground running in the industry.
Key Areas of Concern
- Practical Application: Many graduates struggle to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world construction scenarios.
- Software Proficiency: While Computer-Aided Design (CAD) skills are in high demand, with CAD ranking among the top required skills in job postings, many graduates lack proficiency in industry-standard software.
- Project Management: Graduates often lack experience in managing construction projects and understanding the full lifecycle of a build.
Addressing the Challenge
To bridge this skills gap, a multi-faceted approach involving industry, academia, and graduates themselves is necessary.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
Universities and construction companies need to work together more closely to ensure curricula align with industry needs. This could involve:
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
- Industry-sponsored projects
- Increased opportunities for internships and work placements
Emphasis on Practical Training
The Construction Skills Network report for 2024-2028 predicts a need for an additional 251,500 construction workers by 2028. To meet this demand, there must be a greater emphasis on practical skills development, including:
- Hands-on workshops and site visits
- Simulation-based learning
- Extended industry placements as part of degree programs
Continuous Professional Development
Even after graduation, the learning shouldn’t stop. Companies like Structup can play a crucial role by:
- Offering structured graduate training programs
- Providing mentorship opportunities
- Supporting ongoing professional development and certifications
The Role of Structup
At Structup, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of civil and structural engineers. We are implementing several initiatives to address the skills gap:
- Graduate Training Courses: Comprehensive courses that combines on-the-job training with structured learning experience.
- Mentorship Scheme: Pairing new graduates with experienced professionals to provide guidance and support.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with universities to offer internships and contribute to curriculum development.
Looking Ahead
Addressing the practical skills gap in civil and structural engineering graduates is crucial for the future of the construction industry. By working together, industry leaders, educational institutions, and graduates can ensure that the next generation of engineers is well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s construction projects.
As we look to the future, the Construction Skills Network report projects that the UK construction workforce will need to grow to 2.75 million by 2028 to meet demand. It is clear that bridging the skills gap is not just a nice-to-have – it is essential for the growth and sustainability of our industry.At Structup, we are committed to playing our part in developing a skilled, capable workforce that can drive innovation and excellence in construction for years to come.
References
- Johnson, C. (2024) Bridging the gap: Tackling the skills shortage crisis in construction, Bouygues UK. Available at: https://www.bouygues-uk.com/bridging-the-gap-tackling-the-skills-shortage-crisis-in-construction.
- Dwan-O’Reilly, J. and Magrini, E. (2023) Engineering skills needs – now and into the future. rep. Basingstoke: Lightcast. Available at: https://www.engineeringuk.com/media/318944/engineering-skills-needs-now-and-into-the-future_report_fv.pdf.
- CSN industry outlook – 2024-2028. Available at: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/construction-industry-research-reports/construction-skills-network-csn/.
