Future skills of the industry
The UK construction sector is facing a number of fundamental changes over the next few years and beyond. The aim is to develop a sustainable construction industry capable of delivering a low carbon future and to meet the current carbon, water and waste reduction targets and future targets that have not been established yet.
Sustainable development comprises of three elements:
- Society
- Economy
- Environment
Government policy impact on construction
The UK Government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and to ensure 20% of energy is from renewable sources by 2020. Legally binding targets have been set and the Local Authority Planning requirements include the new Code for Sustainable Homes – Assessment for this is now mandatory.
Future skills
Future skills refers to skills that are needed by some companies and sectors now, further sectors and companies in the next few months, and for the rest of the industry in the next few years. The construction sector’s future skills needs vary across the industry.
The key areas for consideration are Energy, Water, Materials and Waste. As a result the industry is looking towards:
- Product innovation
- Lean manufacturing
- Innovation in offsite
- Large scale renewables
- Zero-carbon (residential and non-residential)
- Low carbon refurbishment of existing stock
- Low energy buildings
- Waste management
- Flood risk
- Social/ Behavioural change
Techniques and processes now being used in the construction sector
Techniques used in construction are constantly evolving. More and more employers in the sector are moving towards modern methods of construction.
Design techniques now include:
- Thermal bridging to eaves, floor zones and external corners etc
- Airtightness
- Maximisation of daylighting
- Energy efficient ventilation
- Zoning – thermal and lighting
- Efficient servicing strategy
- Downstairs bedrooms included in design
- Shutters, balconies and canopies
- Vented window panels
- Rainwater harvesting
- Bio-energy e.g. woodchip boilers
- Photovoltaics
- Wind Turbines
- Off-site manufacturing
- Pod construction
- Panellised
- Aerogel and vacuum insulation panels
- Cavity wall insulation
- External insulation
- Refurbishment of sash windows
Skills needed for the future of the UK construction sector
Many people believe that new products require new skills to design or install them. However people who possess the skills and competencies should understand the latest legislation and how they can adapt their existing skills to meet the needs of policies and current requirements. It is often a case of skills being either an add-on to existing skills or an amalgam of current skills.
Future skills will lead to some adaptation of behavioral and soft skills as well as the need to deal with changes to computer technology changes and computer programmes.
The important thing is to have an understanding of the variety of, and very specific, needs of different parts of the industry depending on the legislation which impacts on them e.g. housing, commercial, public buildings, energy.
Training is required for all stages of construction – Design, Site Management, Installers and Maintenance. Many manufacturers are now offering regular training on the installation and maintenance of products which meet the sustainable agenda.
Specific skills required include the following:
- Solar Thermal - Understanding of installation issues; understanding of high temperatures and pressures; liaison with other contractors e.g. electrician; maintenance of roof integrity i.e. sealing and bracketry; weather tightness of roof
- Heat Pumps - e.g. water source heat pump - Supervision of ground works; awareness of potential damage to ground loop post pressure test
- Photovoltaics - Electrical safety esp. high DC voltages; Inverter trip and failure; Awareness of design issues such as wind uplift; impact of shading/ glare; weather tightness of roof; penetration of roof by fire spread
- Wind turbines - Understanding of installation issues including materials needed to support products e.g. type of concrete; weather tightness of roof; penetration of roof by fire spread
For more information, or if you have any questions please contact: iag.recruitmentandcareers@cskills.org