If only I'd known: Is working in the Construction industry all its cut out to be?

LONDON - Oct. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- The skills shortage in the Construction industry has been well publicised over the last 12 months. Recent research has shown that the most in demand roles are white collar construction professionals, such as Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Estimators. Research by CITB shows that 180,000 construction workers are needed to keep up with the growth of the industry. The demand for skilled workers has never been so high. The UK Government are putting in place various measures to plug the skills gap.

Maple Resourcing were interested to find out from construction professionals if they felt the Construction industry is a good career choice. They asked a handful of experienced professionals in the industry one question: "If they knew then what they do now would they still build a career in Construction?" The question threw up some surprising responses.

Nearly a quarter of respondents advised NOT to start a career in the industry. The main reason cited was the lack of career progression. People felt there is little or no training in place "to move up the career ladder" and people become stuck at a particular level. Respondents also felt that the industry still suffers from a negative image of ageism, sexism and not treating workers fairly. The lack of legislation in place to protect payments to sub-contractors was a major concern. The culture of not paying sub-contractors the full amount due or not paying on time still exists today. Meaning workers can struggle from week to week until the next pay cheque arrives.

However, the remaining 75% of respondents, cited that a diverse and growing industry such as Construction, gives new entrants enough scope to find a career path that suits them. They felt that it is vital people carry out extensive research to find out what training is best suited for them. This could either be through the academic route, appenticeships or trade training. And once started on their career path they need to take time to invest in their training and development through CPD. They commented that continious training would not only benefit their own future but drive the improvement of the Construction industry as a whole.

Our research shows the Construction industry offers enough scope for young people to build a lifelong career. Maybe it's time for everybody involved in Construction to join together and champion the Construction industry as a viable career path to school leavers and graduates.