Authors: 

Paul McCormack, Innovation Manager at Belfast Metropolitan College.

LinkedIn and X profile.

Anna Moreno, Founder of the IBIMI association and Member at buildingSMART International.

LinkedIn profile.

(Note: opinions in the articles are of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the EU).

In today's building market, most workers, and professionals (more than 90%) work in micro-enterprises made of few people or even individuals. As an individual building professional/worker, there are several career opportunities within the construction industry and only the specific skills and experience will determine the roles. Advancing in the career requires continuous learning, certifications, and gaining expertise in the chosen field. Networking within the construction industry can also open new opportunities and help to connect with potential employers or clients.

An easier way of acquiring skills enabling entrance into the working market, will also attract young people and women. Women and young people, in fact, should have (but do not yet have) an important role in the construction sector. The construction sector is in full evolution, yet the presence of women and young people is lacking to say the least. Their inclusion is not only necessary, but fundamental to the future of the sector. Women and young people bring new perspectives and innovative solutions. Their presence can fill the skills gap, especially in areas such as sustainability and digitalisation. The inclusion of these targets promotes a more balanced working environment and stimulates economic growth in the sector.

The impact of technology on skills in the construction sector

Technology has revolutionised the construction industry, transforming the skills required to succeed. The integration of digital tools, automation, and robotics has streamlined processes, enhanced productivity, and improved project outcomes. Professionals need to adapt to the digital age by acquiring the skills necessary to leverage technology effectively. This includes proficiency in construction software, BIM tools, drones for surveying, virtual reality for visualisation, and data analytics for decision-making. The ability to harness technology not only enables professionals to work more efficiently but also opens up new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. As technology continues to advance, construction professionals must stay updated on emerging trends and embrace new tools and techniques. This requires a willingness to learn, adapt, and explore the potential of technology to drive progress in the industry.

Each new technology for energy improvement needs to be supported by digital tools to enable the best use of that technology during the whole life cycle of a building. Each blue and white collar need to use the right 'digital tool' during the phase he is involved in. For instance, if a new conditioning system need to be installed, the architect would use BIM software to include it in the architectural design, the energy engineer should use it in a dynamic simulation to correctly size the plant, the MEP engineers should realize the design of the plant ensuring that there are no interferences with the architectural design and sensors are placed to monitor the right use of the technology. The installers should be able to read the model and install the plants and the sensors as required and propose modifications to the model whenever needed. The producer of the technology has to provide instructions for the maintenance of any component of the plant to be linked to the BIM model by the architect. Finally, the building manager/owner should be able to read the BIM model in order to manage and maintain the building in the next decades.

The future of skills in the construction industry

The future of the construction industry will be shaped by skills that embrace innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation. As the industry evolves, professionals need to be prepared for the changing landscape and the skills it demands. Emerging trends such as modular construction, 3D printing, and smart buildings will require professionals with specialised skills. The ability to integrate technology, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge techniques will be essential for success. Furthermore, soft skills such as adaptability, creativity, and collaboration will become increasingly valuable as the industry becomes more interconnected and reliant on teamwork. The full use of digitalisation will enable the collaboration among different experts for a better integration among different disciplines such as environmental impact of materials, circular economy, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources integration, etc.

To thrive in the future, construction professionals must anticipate the skills required and actively work towards developing them. By investing in continuous learning and staying attuned to industry trends, professionals can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving industry. The lack of skills, to make our building stock efficient, occurs at all levels but varies depending on the country and depending on the technology. For this reason, the recognition of task-based skills also represents a solution to the problem of worker mobility in Europe. Besides, the task-based competences recognition will make the sector more attractive for young people and women especially if digitalization will pervade any phase of the supply chain. Companies will understand that hiring young people and women, who are more familiar with digital technologies, can allow them to make that leap in quality that the construction supply chain requires today.

The widespread use of digitalisation, in fact, could lead to the resolution of multiple problems at the same time. The lack of qualified personnel, the inability, especially of SMEs, to innovate, the high number of unemployed women, will be able to see the solution in training aimed at developing those skills that our companies need to achieve the objective of a carbon neutral building stock.

Challenges faced by the construction industry in developing skilled workers

While the economic value of skills in the construction sector is undeniable, the industry faces several challenges in developing and retaining skilled workers. One of the major challenges is the perception of the construction industry as a low-skilled sector. This perception often deters individuals from pursuing careers in construction, resulting in a limited pool of skilled workers. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the construction industry poses challenges in maintaining a consistent demand for skilled workers. During economic downturns, construction projects may decline, leading to unemployment for skilled workers. This instability can discourage individuals from entering or staying in the construction sector.

Furthermore, the construction industry faces difficulties in attracting and retaining younger generations and women. Many young individuals are drawn to careers in technology or other industries that are perceived as more innovative and intellectually stimulating while women fear the high accident rate in this sector as well the stereotype of work that are mainly addressed to “strong men”. The challenge is to promote different models of the building industry where young generation and women can find careers opportunities linked to the digitalisation of the sector where even a woman can build a wall thanks, for instance to printer 3D. The construction sector must actively promote the benefits and opportunities available within the industry to attract and retain young talent.

Skills shortage in the construction sector

While the demand for skilled construction professionals is high, the industry is facing a significant skills shortage. An ageing workforce, retirements, and insufficient investment in skills development have contributed to the shortage of skilled workers. This has resulted in increased competition for talent and potential delays in project delivery. To address the skills shortage, industry stakeholders need to collaborate and implement strategies that attract and retain talent. This includes providing apprenticeship programs, promoting vocational education, and offering competitive compensation packages. By investing in skills development and creating a supportive environment for professionals, the construction sector can overcome the challenges posed by the skills shortage. At the same time, the demand also needs to improve. The clients should be more aware of the advantages of digitalisation so that new careers, closer to the young generation and women, will also increase.

Demand for skilled workers in the construction sector

The demand for skilled workers in the construction sector continues to grow as infrastructure development projects increase worldwide. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and technological advancements drive the need for construction projects, ranging from residential and commercial buildings to transportation and energy infrastructure. To meet this demand, construction companies actively seek skilled workers who can contribute to their projects' success. Architects and engineers with specialised knowledge in sustainable design, for example, are highly sought after as the construction industry embraces environmentally friendly practices. Similarly, project managers with strong leadership skills and the ability to manage resources efficiently are essential for ensuring project delivery within budget and on schedule.

European directives on energy efficiency and on the use of renewable energy sources, together with incentives addressed to decrease the environmental impact of the building stock, have made the situation even more dramatic as the lack of workers has attracted people coming from other countries with even less competences. Moreover, the demand for skilled workers extends to various trades within the construction sector. Whether it be carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or masonry, each trade requires specialised skills to ensure the quality and safety of construction projects. Skilled craftsmen play a crucial role in transforming architectural designs into physical structures, bringing the vision of architects and engineers to life.

Economic impact of skilled workers in construction

The economic impact of skilled workers in the construction sector goes beyond simply filling job positions. Skilled workers provide expertise that directly influences productivity, quality, and efficiency. Their ability to complete tasks efficiently and effectively reduces project timelines, resulting in cost savings for construction companies. Skilled workers also contribute to improved project quality, resulting in increased client satisfaction. Their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and adherence to industry standards ensure that the final product meets or exceeds customer expectations. Satisfied clients are more likely to engage in repeat business or refer the construction company to others, further driving economic growth.

Furthermore, skilled workers attract higher wages and employment opportunities within the construction sector. Employers recognise the value of workers who possess specialised skills, as they contribute to improved project timelines, reduced costs, and increased client satisfaction. Skilled professionals are often in high demand, allowing them to negotiate higher salaries and benefit from job security. The increase of young generation and women into the digitalised building industry will solve three problems: modernization of the construction industry, shortage of craftspeople, unemployment of women and young people that, especially in countries like Italy, is dramatic.

In-demand skills

Therefore, in today's competitive job and employment market, possessing in-demand skills is crucial for employability and career advancement. Employers increasingly seek individuals with specific skills and expertise to meet the evolving demands of the workplace. Skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and digital literacy are highly sought after. Individuals with these skills are more likely to secure employment, progress in their careers, and access better job opportunities. 

Career opportunity skills are the specific skills and qualities that can enhance an individual's chances of seizing and capitalising on various career opportunities. These skills are often sought after by employers and can help individuals stand out in a competitive job market. It's important to continuously assess and develop career opportunity and progression skills, as they can significantly enhance an individual's chances of exploring diverse career paths, accessing new opportunities, and achieving long-term professional success.

The opportunity to assess a single competence through a platform that will allow you to build your own professional growth becomes essential for a constantly evolving work environment and with new technologies that enter the construction industry market every day. It is widely recognised that highly educated workforce and talent will use skills as a currency in their career pathways.

Conclusion

As the construction sector evolves, skills have become the currency that drives success. From technical expertise to project management, communication to sustainability, professionals must continuously develop and enhance their skills to stay competitive. Investing in skills not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the growth and advancement of the industry as a whole. Making the sector more attractive for the young generation and women, through an extensive use of digitalisation, can modernize the industry. By prioritising skills development and addressing the skills shortage, the construction sector can build a skilled workforce capable of delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality projects.

Companies and organisations that recognise skills as the energy to power competitive growth will develop exchange mechanisms to harness these opportunities. Moving towards a skills-based organisation is a challenge for companies, however, digital transformation advantages will enable this move to be successful. Turning the precious data of skills into a currency of exchange is an equally relevant growth axis for growth-oriented companies. Successful companies will be able to capitalise on available skills within the workforce, maintaining cutting-edge expertise, attracting the best talent and responding to increasingly sophisticated market demands. A highly skilled workforce will deliver undeniable competitive advantage.