The built environment sector has a momentous role to play in helping London – and the UK as a whole – reach net zero by reducing its embodied and operational carbon emissions. We must radically rethink the path forward for the sector; there has never been a more important moment for change.
However, London is still lacking a workforce with the skills needed to carry out new, innovative construction methods that would enable the sector to reach its sustainability goals. By some estimates, the UK is anticipating that over 100,000 people will need to be recruited and upskilled to carry out the work required for our upcoming projects.
While this number continues to tick upwards, there are many challenges preventing progress from being made. A lack of a nationwide strategy on commercial buildings has led to inconsistent requirements being applied at the local level, creating lopsided demand for skilled workers. Qualifications, training offers, and apprenticeships are not currently fit for purpose and are not being delivered quickly enough to match emerging roles. Additionally, the sector has a dire image and diversity problem that is making it difficult to attract and retain new entrants.
At the City of London Corporation, we are dedicated to creating a vibrant and thriving City and supporting a diverse and sustainable London. The Skills for Sustainable Skyline Taskforce has been pivotal in driving that agenda forward.
Over the past year, the Skills for Sustainable Skyline Taskforce has worked at pace to build the evidence base on skills gaps and workforce shortages across Central London’s sustainable commercial built environment sector.