Remote-controlled Brokk machines require skills similar to those honed at an Xbox
The industry must sell itself better to attract younger recruits, and the digital technology now being used in construction has a key role to play, says Julie White.
Julie White
The Millennials. Sat in front of their phones, tablets or on-demand TV, more worried about the latest reality TV star’s next Instagram post than they are about embarking on a career or, to start with, just finding themselves a job of any kind.
A fair assessment, you might say – but is our stereotyping of a whole generation one of the reasons that all of us are struggling to find the future workforce that will ensure our businesses and the construction industry itself has new blood for the future?
Perhaps, we as an industry, should be the first to look beyond the millennial label. Surveys have found that millennials are looking for substance and meaning in their work and not just the biggest pay packet. They care about a company’s brand and reputation and want to feel what they are doing is contributing to something worthwhile.
Of course, technology plays a big part in their life as 91% are regular internet users – but is that something employers should fear or is it something we need to embrace?
Technology plays a major part in our business – from the way we process new job requests through to the management of our social media.
And it’s not just in the office. Our remote-controlled Brokk machines, which are used in complex demolition programmes, require highly dextrous digits that could have been honed in front of a PlayStation or Xbox. This isn’t a game though – this is a real-life situation that requires a combination of skill, training, knowledge and an extremely cool head.
3D modelling
On top of that, we also use 2D/3D scanners to check what is inside the concrete to see where we can drill our holes and ensure we don’t go through any services or damage the integrity of a building – you need to be able to read the data and understand the reports that are produced.
Construction, like any industry, requires a range of skills and talents. If we are to find new blood for our businesses there is no question that we are going to have to dip into the pool of talent from the millennial generation and look beyond the stereotyping.
In order to do so, we have to sell our industry better and, maybe, look at some of those factors that are important to those surveyed – such as flexibility and the opportunity to progress – and also highlight some of those areas where we work that might attract a younger audience, such as in 3D modelling and remote-controlled equipment.
Also, we have to be willing to bestow the importance of construction on society and the economy. Without us, there are no roads, no schools, no homes, no hospitals.
If a young worker is looking for meaning in what they do, what could offer that in greater abundance than being part of an industry that is creating the future for generations that are yet to be named and yet to be stereotyped?
Julie White is managing director of demolition specialist D-Drill and chairs the training board at Build UK.
