“It’s important we empower young people with the right tools to explore the construction industry, especially in light of the uncertain future after Brexit. Currently, we are reliant on labour from other EU countries, who have a great work ethic and are a great asset to the industry. However, we really need to develop our own workforce.
At Southbank Place, we are addressing the issue through investing in programmes such as Budding Builders and Budding Brunels, where young people can get first-hand experience on site, to test out whether they like the construction industry and what it offers. We also have a strong record with young people already, as last year we had four apprentices, 13 graduates, five trainees and four engineering and quantity surveying cadets. There are a lot of benefits to be reaped from the industry for candidates who are prepared to work hard.
We are certainly recruiting at all levels, and locally we have made our vacancies well-known through a number of Lambeth job brokerages. The main things I am looking out for are enthusiasm and commitment to seeing a job through. The right perception, to know how to problem-solve, and strong people skills for communicating are also high on the list.
Industry-wide, there is additional support needed to get more women into construction and break down barriers. We need to make sure that women are comfortable working in the construction environment as equally valued members of the team.
As part of the Construction Youth Trust’s Budding Brunels scheme, groups of schoolchildren visit the site to gain a greater understanding of the construction industry, and we’ve recently worked with a number of all-girls schools in this scheme. There’s been a high level of interest and good feedback from young women who have taken part. “University fees are very high now, which makes me think that perhaps there should be more financial support for young people looking to undertake the training required, for the important roles we have throughout the industry.
“University fees are very high now, which makes me think that perhaps there should be more financial support for young people looking to undertake the training required, for the important roles we have throughout the industry.”