Workforce report reveals industry hiring challenges in the South West
Findings of a workforce report published have highlighted the challenges facing the South West to ensure it has the skilled workers needed to meet future demand in the engineering construction industry (ECI).
The ECI plays a crucial role in the UK meeting its net zero ambitions, spanning sectors that focus on the construction, maintenance and decommissioning of heavy industry, including oil and gas, nuclear, power generation, renewables, chemicals, food and drink, pharmaceuticals and water treatment.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Regional Workforce Census report offers a comprehensive overview of the ECI workforce in the South West, having gathered data on more than 7,500 workers in the region.
It reveals that 100% of employers in the South West, such as those working on the nuclear power station build at Hinkley Point C, are experiencing challenges hiring ECI workers, compared to 71% in the wider industry.
The main reason given by employers is a lack of qualified candidates, skills and training.
Electricians, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, safety case specialists and project managers are among the roles proving most difficult to recruit.
ECITB chief executive Andrew Hockey said: “The Census is vital in helping industry understand labour market dynamics, anticipate workforce challenges and develop strategies to address skill gaps across Great Britain, such as in the South West.
“Only through bringing in new talent, training and upskilling existing workers can industry benefit from the skilled workforce it needs both for now and the future.
“The ECITB will continue to support employers in the region to invest in their talent pipeline – helping industry to grow the number of apprenticeships and graduate opportunities, developing alternative entry pathways and funding quality training to upskill and reskill the workforce.”
Other key findings on the South West:
The nuclear sector is the largest ECI employer in the region, accounting for 89% of the workforce.
Key occupations in the region are project managers, operations and production technicians, mechanical, project, commissioning and systems engineers, as well as scaffolders and planners.
Employers collectively expect a 17% increase in headcount over the next three years.
The workforce in the region has a smaller proportion of workers over 50 than the national ECI average and the regional active population, reducing concerns about an ageing workforce, which is a common theme in other regions.
The South West is more reliant on overseas workers, with 16.7% of the workforce made up of non-British nationals, compared to just 5.3% for the industry as a whole.
