Research study of Scotland's construction industry looking at how skills are generated for the industry, and the skills development and training requirements of those involved.

The construction industry is a major contributor to Scotland’s economy. A substantial ramping up of construction investment was forecast, driven by the investment programmes of New Housing Partnerships, many of which would focus on groups of the population most at risk of social exclusion., living in neighbourhoods in need of regeneration.

It was estimated that by 2005 Scotland’s construction industry would need an extra 27,000 recruits – this skills shortages is a result of lack of awareness of opportunities within the industry; negative image about the industry; changing skills demand; and contracting, for example.

The study involved a comprehensive review of labour demand and supply trends in the industry, with a detailed focus on the Glasgow economy. As well as analysing statistical data, interviews and workshops were held with a wide range of construction industry stakeholders.

Surveys and discussion groups were also held to capture the images of the industry held by students, employed people and residents. A set of detailed case studies of construction-related initiatives was prepared.

This wide ranging study of Scotland’s construction industry found that there was already (in 2002) a skills shortage, and that this was likely to intensify. To tackle the skills shortage, it was deemed essential to take a harder look at how skills are generated for the industry with a greater emphasis on more specialist skills training.

It was also thought important to widen the industry’s recruitment base to bring in more recruits from socially excluded groups.

Communities Scotland
scr@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk

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//2002

Alan McGregor, Andrea Glass, Malcolm Greig, Anne Lavery and Lynne Macdougall, Training & Employment Research Unit at the University of Glasgow

research

Urban Policy

Transport and infrastructure, Urban environment, Housing