• Wednesday, 16 May, 2012

UK skills shortage hits projects

Delivering findings: Opito managing director David Binnie and chief executive of ECITB David Edwards

Aleya Begum , Aleya Begum , Aleya Begum , Aleya Begum , Aleya Begum , Aleya Begum

 16 March 2011 14:30 GMT

A new study in the UK has revealed that over 50% of companies believe attracting appropriately skilled staff is the number one challenge to their ability to deliver their project opportunities.





The study, commissioned by skills body Opito and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), found that demand for skilled or experienced staff continues to outstrip supply with vacancies for engineers and managers being the hardest to fill.



The survey of over 110 companies, spanning all areas of the industry, showed that the majority of companies are anticipating growth in the workforce in the next five years, with 12% expecting to take on over 50 people in the next 12 months and 5% looking to recruit over 200 in the same period.



““This is without a doubt a startling set of opportunities and our estimates suggest that over 15,000 new posts will be required over the next five years to deliver project plans,” said Opito managing director David Binnie.

“Meeting that challenge and increasing the supply pool of experienced talent is critical if we are to avoid inter-company competition, costs inflation and the delay or cancellation of projects.”



The report also points out that competition from other industries is increasing, in particular other energy sectors such as wind and nuclear power.



Chief executive of ECITB David Edwards said: “The UK needs more technicians, apprentices and engineers to transform our energy infrastructure.

“A good start has been made, but the rate of recruitment and training needs to double within the next five year to meet the strategic demand.”

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