The UK has seen a shift in hiring processes. All of this is contributed to by rapid technological developments, competition in the labour market, and sustainability practices. The constant change in employers’ needs and job seekers’ requirements is due to the government imposing new regulations related to on-site work and construction practices, along with technological developments.
What is it that a UK Recruitment Agency should know about the construction industry? Is it about the skills shortage? Worker safety? Regulations? Well, all of them are important, under the scope of uk construction hiring trends.
Current challenges of recruitment
The UK is facing an unprecedented amount of labour and skills shortage in the year 2025, which is caused due to various factors.
The current aging workforce supports this, the lack of vocational training, and the limited engagement of youth in apprenticeships, as well as the shortage of specific roles such as quantity surveyors and on-site developers.
The CITB ( Construction Industry Training Board) has predicted that the construction industry will require 2,16,800 workers at the end of 2025. Paired with that fact, the UK will have an annual growth of 4.5% in the construction industry, which will reach 168 million GBP at the end of 2025. With projections of 3.8% CAGR from 2025-2029.
1. Recruitment of Specialized Construction Roles
Specialized construction roles aren’t made, they are created out of necessity. Owing to the large and complex construction projects. Now, each sector needs to be divided based on the skills specialization. Niche roles are in high demand and are selected by specialized construction recruiters, like:
- Construction surveyors: construction surveyors survey and do surveillance of labour-related work
- Project managers: Project managers have the responsibility of planning, developing, and executing the project
- Safety inspectors: Safety inspectors are certified specialists who give a nod to construction practices based on government safety rules
- Smart building systems technicians: A smart building systems technician is a person who specializes in multiple sectors, like HVAC, security installations, and electrical equipment.
- Water Resources Engineer: A water resources engineer manages water conservation, implements anti-flood strategies, and sustainable water supply methods.
- Environmental Manager: An environmental manager assesses and complies with environmental regulations.
- BIM Manager: A BIM manager or a Building Information Modelling Manager utilizes software to create a virtual representation of construction projects.
- Green Building Consultant: A Green Building consultant focuses on sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
2. The Need for Specific Skills: Technology and Sustainability Practices
The current scope of technology and sustainable practices has widened the areas that recruitment agencies need to focus on. The development of new skills has led to new specific roles.
- Skill-based hiring: Engineers are no longer considering traditional skills. Instead, the focus has shifted towards certifications, practical skills, and individuals with a technological mindset. Drone operation at construction sites, AI-driven project management tools, allows recruiters to choose candidates who have hands-on experience and a competent nature.
- Technological adoption and digital skills: Construction methods are adopting digital solutions like BIM (Building Information Modelling). Proficiency in software like ArchiCAD, Navisworks, and Revit is helping builders understand constructions beyond traditional practices.
- Green building and sustainability: The UK’s aim towards a zero-carbon emission by the year 2050 has prompted construction companies to adopt sustainable practices.
- Certifications like LEED and its UK version, BREEAM, and knowledge of passive house standards
- Proficiency in implementing energy-efficient practices with HVAC systems and renewable energy sources
- Waste management that includes the use of recycled materials like fly-ash cement and a reduction in waste
- Carbon footprint reduction by implementing practices that decrease the impact on the environment.
3. Health and Safety Compliance
The government has adopted strict measures to ensure worker safety and health. Building Safety Act (BSA), health and safety compliance are now the top priority. UK recruitment agencies should hire individuals based on :
- UK health and safety regulations: A good grasp of CDM (Construction Design and Management) (2015), PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
- Risk Management and Expertise: Specialization in reducing and controlling risk in the construction site.
- Knowledge of the Building Safety Act: Professionals who understand the new regulations due to the aftermath of the Grenfell Tragedy fire.
4. Training, Upskilling, Apprenticeships, and Retention
More often than not, recruiters would like to have candidates who are fresh to the field. This provides them with practical knowledge based on the work and the required training to upskill.
- Invest in learning: Knowledge based on current practices is constantly updated. To tackle this deficit, constant training in technological advancements and sustainable practices is provided.
- Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are one way of introducing new talent to the field. With the rise of highly technical skills, agencies should collaborate with technical and vocational colleges.
- Retention: Retention involves offering a competitive salary, flexible work hours, and a safe workplace.
External factors that might influence hiring
Some external factors might affect hiring in the construction industry; these are more or less related to the government regulations and economic factors:
- Government-funded infrastructure: Government programmes like HS2 are driving infrastructural demands. As a result, 1.5 million new homes are going to be built by 2029. A lot of them are Green Energy Projects like Offshore, Solar, Wind, and Nuclear.
- Inflation: Rise in prices of construction materials and an increase in the National Living Wage will significantly affect client budgets.
- Employment Laws: Employment Laws must be well-known to include immigrant workers. The IR35 legislation ensures that a contractor is paid in a similar manner to an employee.
Conclusion: Going beyond traditional recruitment strategies
Recruitment agencies need to be constantly updated about workforce rules. The emphasis on skills-based hiring, using technology, and employer branding is an important factor to look out for. Diversity Inclusion is also a must that includes immigrant workers and differently abled people for specialized roles.
Understanding the skills shortage and demand for work-ready individuals, we at Trade Recruit provide options for top talent. They aren’t only skilled. They provide quality to your business, startup, or organization!
