This year the Summit is to be based around three interlinked key themes: Image, Skills and Productivity.
The skills shortage in the construction sector has become a major issue which looks set to continue for some time to come. Industry leaders have begun to consider and debate the reasons behind this ongoing crisis. Three major and recurring themes are emerging - a negative industry perception which impedes on the recruitment of a skilled labour force and in turn, reduces in productivity.
A lack of training in the industry has been viewed as a major barrier in tackling productivity, with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) claiming that one of the solutions to resolving the skills shortage is a long-term training programme designed to engage with students from an early age and highlight the breath of opportunities within the construction sector.
Attracting more women into the industry is another area for focused engagement but a clear strategy needs to be developed to resolve issues that have been highlighted. UCATT reports that women make up only 11% of the construction workforce, with just 1% of women onsite. Statistics also show that more than half (51%) of women in construction commented on a lack of promotion prospects; lower pay and feeling isolated in the workplace.
Gender is not the only image issue facing the industry, as following mass redundancies in the recession; figures indicate that many are simply not willing to return to construction. These three themes are all interlinked and have a domino effect.
A poor image of the industry creates a skills shortage as the young and upcoming generation are seeking more appealing career prospects. This results in poor productivity as the industry lacks the workers and resources to keep up with demand.
The Midlands Construction Summit will explore how we can approach and potentially resolve these issues.
Tickets cost just £95 plus vat and include; entry into the Midlands Construction Summit, entry into the Midlands Construction Expo, parking, lunch and refreshments throughout.
