CITB Site Managers and Supervisors
4 May 2020
The UK construction sector is one of the country's leading economic drivers. However, a shortage of skilled professionals is set to become an increasing challenge.
Need for SMSTS & SSSTS qualifications set to grow
The construction industry is far reaching and covers every area from design and architecture, civil engineering and interiors. One area set to become increasingly in demand is those with either the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or SSSTS (Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme).
RISK CITB SMSTS & SSSTS qualifications ‘in-classrooms’ or ‘in-company’
RISK will ensure employers can access the high quality CITB training their workforce needs to capitalise on construction sector growth. We are committed to helping construction employers deliver the pipeline of SMSTS and SSSTS qualified site managers and supervisors, better and more efficiently to combat shortages and boost performance.
Ageing workforce is increasing the demand on SMSTS and SSSTS qualifications
The UK is currently experiencing an ageing population and the construction sector is set to see more skills leave the industry than any other area of work. The baby boomer generation is slowly reaching the career finish line and employers are understandably concerned that younger workers are not coming through to replace them.
Around a quarter of the construction workforce is now over the age of 50, while 400,000 of the over 55s are planning to retire in the next decade. Furthermore, the increase in the number of workers over the age of 60 is the largest of any age group in the sector, with the biggest drop off being in the under 30 bracket. While experience is invaluable in any working environment, current trends suggest that the workforce will begin to decline as new workers are unable to meet the demand left behind by retiring practitioners.
Currently investment in construction is growing
Due to the high cost/high risk nature of construction, the industry is generally a good barometer of how the wider economy is performing. A struggling economy sees a slowdown in new projects, while a UK in recovery will result in a deluge of investment.
New housing initiatives have resulted in a strong performing sector and the longest period of growth since the last recession. Confidence is improving amongst employers, meaning it's a great time for those that want to work in construction, however a shortage of skills acts as a potential risk to continued expansion.
