Investment in apprenticeships, upskilling workers and attracting more people into the industry are among the themes of the recommendations made in the New Housing and Future Construction Skills report to tackle industry challenges.
The report also outlines potential opportunities presented by advancements in technology and new apprenticeship programmes present opportunities for new skill sets, career paths and workforce diversity.
The Scottish government has also published a report outlining stakeholder views on the wider challenges for housing to 2040. Issues raised included the need for improvements to existing housing stock, a recognition of the distinct needs of Scotland鈥檚 rural communities, and the putting of people and communities at the heart of planning.
Communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: 鈥淚t is crucial that Scotland has a skilled and productive construction workforce, both now and in future. We are already working collaboratively with industry, education, skills bodies and local authorities on programmes to develop the workforce required for major housebuilding projects.
鈥淲e need a housing system that works for us all, that is dynamic enough to adapt to future challenges and is resilient in the face of them. I welcome the recommendations of the Housing and Construction Skills Short-Life Working Group in this report, and look forward to discussing these with my Cabinet and ministerial colleagues to consider what we can do to support skills delivery now and longer term.鈥�
Professor Sean Smith, chair of the working group, added: 鈥淭he coming decade will be one of the most innovative and transformative periods for the housebuilding sector as new technologies and approaches enter the market. For young people considering a career in engineering, construction and housebuilding there are a range of new opportunities, roles and key skills the sector will require.
鈥淭here is now a unique opportunity for school career advisors, industry and the public sector to enable the pathways into these future careers and support greater diversity and inclusion.鈥�
The working group was set up last year. Members included house-builders, industry organisations, college, university, public sector, training and skills organisations.聽 The group have split their recommendations into action for the short-term (three years), medium-term (four to nine years) and long-term (10 years).
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