A OnePoll survey
commissioned by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that
while reception of the apprenticeship levy looks positive, findings indicate
concern for the more immediate pipeline of skilled workers in the construction
industry.
Though the
apprenticeship levy only came into force in April this year, early indicators
show that it has been well received so far.
The survey shows:
- 43% of construction
workers have noticed a positive impact;
- 42% say that they
feel more confident in the growing talent pool as a result of the levy;
- since the
introduction of the Levy, a third (36%) have noticed an increase in the number
of apprentices employed, and 30% have also seen an increase in the number of
apprenticeship applicants, although 15% said they now have more paperwork to
fill in.
- those in the south
of England are the most positive about the levy, with more than the national
average reporting positive impact.
- And this rose to
almost two thirds (63%) of construction workers in London and over half (52%)
in the South West.
However, while the
long-term talent pipeline outlook looks promising, there are concerns over
home-grown talent being able to fulfil the demand for skills needed in the
construction industry in the shorter term.
Output in the
construction market is expected to grow over the next 12 months, yet 53% of
construction workers say that labour shortages are an issue for business.
With a predicted 8%
of the UK’s construction workforce made up of European nationals, over half
(56%) of construction workers across all levels feel that construction
companies and Government should work together to ensure skilled workers in the
sector can remain in the UK. This rises to over two thirds (66%) in London and
is most keenly felt among senior and middle managers in construction (71% and
67%, respectively).
An RICS report
earlier this year found that 30% of construction professionals said that hiring
non-UK workers was important to the success of their businesses. And this shows
when it comes to priorities for hiring within the industry.
"It is great to
see such a positive reaction to the apprenticeship levy from the industry so
early on and RICS is working with members and employers on schools programmes,
to engage and inspire more young people into surveying, to fill a more diverse
pipeline of talent," said Barry Cullen, RICS Future Talent Director.
"Encouraging
the next generation and ensuring there is fresh and skilled talent to meet the
demands of the future is vital to any industry’s success, and it’s clear that
the construction industry is united in this belief.
"However, with
Britain set to leave the European market we must ensure that we are not left in
a skills vacuum.
"An estimated
176,000 EU citizens are employed in the construction business, so it is vital
that government and businesses work together to ensure they are able to remain
or risk leaving the industry short of the people they need."
