We gathered a panel of experts to discuss how to support construction skills in the built environment sector.
Whilst for many years we talked about a construction skills crisis, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the built environment sector was on the cusp of feeling the benefits of government backed schemes to develop the pipeline of skills it required.
Panellists explored how the built environment sector is supporting young people through the crisis and maintaining the momentum of skills. It’s imperative that we don’t lose what we have gained and that we maintain an open dialogue on how industry is retaining its new entrants and in particular given the struggles on attracting them in the first place, what support is being given to young people and apprentices. This is probably the most challenging time the sector has had to endure, but we are optimistic that it will find its way through the new normal and deliver the housing stock the country requires. If youth organizations, training providers and the sector itself remain committed to navigating the challenges together, we will be in a good place to relieve the pressure on the skills we need to get the sites up and running again.
The webinar can be watched below:
Panellists:
- Sarah Beale - CEO, CITB
- Jessica Mellor-Clark - Head of BeOnsite, Lendlease
- Ghislaine Halpenny - Director of Strategy & External Affairs, British Property Federation
- Shenaaz Chenia - CEO, YouthBuild Ventures UK
- Lord Bob Kerslake - Chair, Peabody
- Michael Nathan - Associate Director, Emerging Talent Lead, Mace
