A new report
published by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) shows that
construction can reap major rewards from digital skills and technology, but
only if it takes decisive action in the next five years.
CITB's report, Evolution
or Revolution?, looks at a range of scenarios for the pace of technological
change in construction which will inform the forthcoming CLC Future Skills
Plan.
The research finds
that as a less-automated sector, construction stands to gain much more from
modernisation than other parts of the economy. Embracing digital technology and
cutting-edge skills can help address ongoing industry challenges like wafer-thin
profit margins; the need to recruit, upskill and retain the future workforce;
and improving health, safely and mental wellbeing.
The next five years
will likely see technological adoption evolve, then speed up – but only when
the right conditions are in place, including:
- Building a shared definition
of what digital construction means and the skills it requires
- Sharing best practice much
more widely and,
- Liberating leaders and
managers to take calculated risks and drive new approaches.
Stephen Radley, CITB
Director of Strategy & Policy said: “Construction has lagged behind other
industries in harnessing the benefits of digitalisation but is now looking to
catch up. New technology has enormous potential to make construction greener,
safer and smarter, while boosting productivity.
“This research shows
that while it may take two decades for the industry to achieve full
technological adoption, the next five years are critical. Skills will be at the
heart of these changes and we will work with government and industry to agree
digital skills goals and a plan to meet them. The CLC Future Skills Strategy
(scheduled for publication in April 2019) will provide more details on how we
can take this critical work forward as a whole industry.
“In the meantime we
have committed some £7m to help industry get the skills it needs to modernise
through investments in offsite, digital skills and immersive learning.”
