The construction industry in Wales needs to recruit over 9,100 workers by 2027 in order for the sector to keep up with demand, according to new research.
A report published by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has forecasted that construction will remain a sector where there is demand for workers despite the current economic climate, rising materials and labour costs.
The amount of construction work in Wales is set to grow by 1.1% annually on average, slightly below the UK average forecast of 1.5%. But employment must grow by 1.6% annually in order to deliver large-scale projects such as the £1bn Swansea regeneration.
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The equates to an extra 1,820 workers per year to fulfil the amount of work forecasted for the period between now and 2027.
The major sectors for demand are industrial, commercial and private housing. Wales' current workforce is at 111,600, however this is set to drop slightly to 111,000 this year before picking back up to 111,500 by 2027.
The study highlighted a particular need for an extra 420 bricklayers, 380 electrical trades and 200 roofers per year. As a result, recruitment, training, development and upskilling remain key priorities for the industry for 2023 and beyond.
Adam Jones of Brenig Construction said: “One of the biggest challenges we have seen over the last few years is missing generations where we haven’t seen many people below the age of 40 coming into the industry. This has meant there is a lack of experienced people out there. The individuals we get through this scheme want to work in construction they are not using it as a stop gap. They are well vetted and committed to work.”
CITB Wales engagement director Mark Bodger, said: “Construction is vital in developing and strengthening our regional and national economies, and while the industry will certainly face challenges heading into the new year, our report shows there is also a lot of opportunity within Wales.
“Despite the economic challenges, there is still huge demand for more workers in the industry, and it will become even more important to retain our current workforce over the next 18 months. There are a range of projects set to bring a steady stream of work into Wales this year, with one of the largest projects being the £590m Dowlais Top to Hirwaun section of the A465 Heads of the Valley Road, which will run through to the middle of 2025. The £1bn Shaping Swansea regeneration programme, the Welsh Government’s plans to decarbonise social housing and the development of a rail testing centre in Neath Port Talbot also present huge opportunity and will be major drivers for growth in Wales.
“Supporting the industry in attracting and retaining talent from right across Wales will be our main priority, with a particular focus on training routes. There’s no denying we have a major task ahead, but I feel inspired by the resilience shown over the last couple of years and look forward to supporting industry in emerging stronger when the recession ends.”
To help directly address these challenges and maximise opportunities, CITB has invested almost £50m of levy to support over 22,000 apprentices to help them join the industry. Direct funding has provided grants over 269,000 training courses and in total £97m has been invested in grant funding by CITB, to make it as easy as possible for employers to recruit and retain their skilled workforce.
Across Wales, CITB’s network of Onsite Experience hubs are also creating more accessible routes into construction. Over the next three years, CITB’s investment of over £4m will provide thousands of people with invaluable onsite skills and experience, many of which will progress to sustained employment within construction.
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