CLC campaign includes culture focus to make industry more inclusive
The CIOB has thrown its support behind the sector-wide skills campaign launched by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), described as the ‘most ambitious’ the industry has ever produced.
The Industry Skills Plan for the UK Construction Sector 2021-25 sets out the key skills challenges, with actions and commitments for both industry and government, in four areas: careers; standards and qualifications; training, education and development; and culture and working environment.
The CLC also said it supported the drive towards increased direct employment. The plan supports government mandates on direct employment through procurement.
“We all need to get behind this plan”
Mark Reynolds, group CEO of Mace and CLC member, said: “This is the most ambitious and wide-ranging skills plan the construction sector has ever produced. It should have a far-reaching impact on how we attract, retain and develop people in construction and help deliver the government’s homebuilding and infrastructure plans.
Caroline Gumble, CIOB CEO and a member of the CLC Senior Advisors Group, said: “The CIOB is fully behind the Industry Skills Plan and is well placed to support much of the work, with our expertise in competencies and educational frameworks.
Industry Skills Plan – key points
- A ‘Talent View’ portal to improve access to construction careers and boost their attractiveness to new entrants.
- An industry standard for work experience, with up to 7,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students encouraged
to join the scheme. - Construction traineeship programmes with a pathway from further education into the industry.
- Competence frameworks.
- Training standards for net zero, digital and offsite construction.
“I’m pleased to see the social and cultural aspects of our industry referenced. Attracting those who are embarking on their careers and making the industry as inclusive as possible are also important areas of focus.”
Sarah Beale, CEO of Construction Industry Training Board and chair of the CLC Skills Network, said: “While the past year has been incredibly challenging for all of us, the industry has pulled together more than ever, and this plan is the result. We all need to get behind this plan.”
