The City of London Skills for Sustainable Skyline taskforce predicts that over 100,000 people will need to be recruited and upskilled to carry out the work required for our upcoming construction and green skills projects.
The construction industry will need thousands of people to start a career in our industry if we are to plug the skills gap and ensure the sector meets demand. It will be the next generation that makes up the majority of that growth. The FMB London Board have been strong advocates for reaching students before they start their GCSEs in order that can provide them a realistic but positive picture of what construction can offer them.
Introducing construction career paths in local schools
This is why the FMB was delighted to partner with CITB and the South London Partnership to host an event at Croydon College to do exactly that. Three schools from the local area were invited to come and try out some practical experiences, such as bricklaying, carpentry and eco-construction.
Sam Eden, FMB London Director, caught up with London member David Gutierrez to find out why he feels these projects are so valuable:
‘I love this industry and this industry needs more young people to help us with this current skills crisis. Today is about having a bit of fun, and just seeing how they like using their practical skills, and you know what if you like it you can earn good money doing it.’
Sam also caught up with London member Nik Nelberg who spoke of the importance of introducing construction to young people as early as possible:
‘I do talks to primary school children, and they are so engaged, I show them how to make electricity out of sunshine and its just about engagement. We need to make the industry inclusive and diverse and that’s a big part of today.’
The the event was a real success and the students continually spoke of how they enjoyed getting out of their seats and using their hands for a change. The FMB along with its members will continue to promote the benefits of construction and how taking up a career in this sector is a fantastic career path for anyone.
