NSCC survey skills shortage rears its head

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Specialist Contractors continue to enjoy very good or improved trading conditions according to the latest NSCC (National Specialist Contractors Council)State of Trade Survey which was released recently , which shows an increase in orders for a fourth successive quarter.

A skill gap in specialist contractors has being highlighted by the CITB (Construction industry training board).

The  seasonal trend of a decline in orders in the third quarter did not happen this year with the balance of orders, the difference between respondents reporting an increase in those reporting a decrease, reaching its highest level since 2006 which is a good sign of a prolonged recovery. 21% of respondents reported finding it more difficult to recruit quality skilled labour this quarter.

Surprisingly the number of Specialist Contractors unable to bid for work due to skills shortages reached 13%, the highest level since 2007.

The issue has been highlighted and attempted to be rectified with 39% of Specialist Contractors expecting to take on at least
one apprentice over the next 12 months and two-thirds of those looking to recruit two or more
apprentices.

The NSCC is committed to helping facilitate apprenticeships in the specialist contarctor sector and is leading the
action within the Industrial Strategy paper: Construction 2025 to provide a high level statement setting out the
industry’s commitment to having young people working on building sites.

For more on this report please follow this link NSCC