The Liverpool City Region (LCR) faces a crucial challenge in sustaining its growth trajectory in construction and digital sectors. Without addressing the current skills shortage, the region may hinder its potential to capitalise on high-value opportunities.
A report highlighted the necessity for 18,000 new construction workers in the LCR, presenting both an opportunity and a risk if skills demands are not met. Today, industry leaders stress the urgency to address these skill gaps to harness the region’s economic potential.
Urgent Skills Gaps
In the Liverpool City Region, the vibrant sectors of construction and digital industries are poised for growth, yet they stand at a crossroads. Mark Lawler, MD of Baltic Creative CIC, warns that unless urgent action is taken to address the skills shortage, the potential for creating high-value jobs may not be fully realised. The local industry requires a focused strategy to bridge this gap effectively.
Lawler points to the growing demand for space in the Baltic Triangle, reflecting a healthy tech sector. Despite double-digit growth projections, there’s a pressing need to ensure these developments are matched by skilled professionals. The real concern is not growth itself, but the scale of that growth, which could be jeopardised without adequate skilled manpower.
Impact on Social Mobility
Social mobility plays a pivotal role in enhancing the construction workforce. Sara Lawton, founder of the Construction Impact Framework, highlights the influence of social circumstances on skills acquisition. Having risen from a deprived area, she advocates for increased involvement to attract young talent into construction, spotlighting both challenges and opportunities.
Lawton stresses the importance of community engagement, where young people can see the diverse career paths available in construction. By presenting roles from joiner to architect, the industry could spark interest much earlier, potentially steering youth into construction careers. Overcoming current public perception and educational focus on digital skills remains critical.
Revamping Construction’s Image
Addressing the image of the construction sector is essential to attract new talent. LEP chair Asif Hamid MBE emphasizes that the sector needs a makeover to better reflect its status as a skilled profession. By elevating its image, the industry can draw a broader spectrum of individuals.
Efforts are needed to showcase the variety of skilled roles within construction. Sandra Kirkham from Progress to Excellence Group adds that extending opportunities to groups like ex-prisoners can help the sector meet its recruitment challenges. The key is to evolve public perception to align with modern construction’s demands and opportunities.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram underscores the value of apprenticeships and advocates for devolved control over the apprenticeship levy. This localised approach could significantly bolster recruitment efforts, tailoring training programs to meet regional needs while revamping the sector’s image.
Education and Training
Engagement with educational institutions is critical in closing the skills gap. The construction industry often encounters challenges when trying to collaborate with educational partners. An early introduction to construction’s potential career pathways is essential to divert more young people towards these opportunities.
Initiatives must focus on dispelling the misconception that lucrative careers are only in tech. By integrating construction-related skills into e-learning and curricula, the industry can appeal to students’ existing interests in digital platforms while highlighting viable construction careers. Such early interventions are vital for filling the industry’s future talent pipeline.
Regional Economic Prospects
The Liverpool City Region stands to gain significantly from addressing these skills shortages. By doing so, it can capitalise on the projected 80,000 new tech jobs in the North of England over the next three years. Currently, LCR employs about 24,000 in the tech sector, leaving ample room for growth.
Fulfilling this potential requires strategic local investment. Developing infrastructure projects and educational programs tailored to the region’s needs will ensure sustainable economic growth. The question remains: can the LCR position itself as a leader in tech jobs, meeting demand with a supply of qualified professionals?
Strategic Partnerships
Collaboration across sectors is pivotal in overcoming the skills shortage. Engaging with organisations involved in talent training could provide the necessary support and resources to bolster skill development. The focus should be on forming alliances that offer mutual benefits.
Such partnerships can accelerate the creation of targeted training programs, aligning skills training with specific industry needs. Organisations need to work closely with educational providers and policymakers to devise effective strategies, creating a workforce ready to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
A Way Forward
The path forward involves a multi-pronged approach. It includes revamping the public image of construction, encouraging early education interventions, and fostering strategic partnerships. Each aspect contributes to bridging the existing skills gap.
Addressing the skills shortage is a multifaceted challenge that the Liverpool City Region must navigate to sustain its growth. By ensuring that education, investment, and industry collaboration align, the region can fully realise its economic potential and secure a prosperous future.
