Construction Sector Skills Gap and Training Needs Survey November 2012
Scope & Structure Scope To identify gaps in skills availability and training provision for the construction sector in the Bailiwick To get feedback on current and potential changes in the economy, technology and regulation that might lead to skills gaps Structure Key sectors: Building trades Professional services Specialised trades Retail & wholesale distribution
Survey Details Professional associations (approx. 196) CIOB, GBTEA, CIAT, RICS, RIBA, CIGPE, GCI & GSA Industry sector contacts (approx. 130) from Chamber of Commerce & Yellow Pages Contacts from the States Apprenticeship Scheme (approx. 208)
Survey Details Professional associations (approx. 196) CIOB, GBTEA, CIAT, RICS, RIBA, CIGPE & GSA Industry sector contacts (approx. 130) from 10% response Chamber of Commerce, GCI & Yellow Pages Contacts from the States Apprenticeship Scheme (approx. 208)
73.7%
Invest in Training 81% invest in trade and professional skills training 19% say it is responsibility of the individual 60% invest in management and personal development training 40% say it is responsibility of the individual 51% invest in existing staff as well as new starters 49% say no, it is responsibility of the individual 11% would like help to create a training plan 27% carry out formal training needs analysis 68% Don t carry out formal training needs analysis 14% would like help to carry out formal training needs analysis 68% are registered with the Apprenticeship scheme 47% say the Apprenticeship scheme does not meet their current needs
States Apprenticeship Scheme Feedback A one year vocational fulltime course at the GCFE from the age of 15 would be far more advantage for us as a business as well as the kind of employees that come to us for a job. DOES NOT HAVE A COURSE FOR OUR SPECIFIC INDUSTRY I don't feel that the States of Guernsey help enough in the monetary side of training apprentices. The same rates have applied for many years, the style of the apprenticeship scheme should expand in ideas, and this will involve more cost. IT COSTS US MONEY. It takes too long, prevents key people from working slowing down cash flow, and the training is too narrow and vastly outdated in the main. No specific building services course available locally Qualifications they leave with are not up to current requirements. e.g. can t work on gas or oil. The limit on overseas training is about 3,500 which is used up on flights within the first 2 years The technician that is doing a course at the college of FE does not qualify due to having a degree, however most others on her course are on the scheme We have no ongoing contact at present Welding scheme not right for modern business
States Apprenticeship Scheme Feedback A one year vocational fulltime course at the GCFE from the age of 15 would be far more advantage for us as a business as well as the kind of employees that come to us for a job. DOES NOT HAVE A COURSE FOR OUR SPECIFIC INDUSTRY I don't feel that the States of Guernsey help enough in the monetary side of training apprentices. The same rates have applied for many years, the style of the apprenticeship scheme should expand in ideas, and this will involve more cost. IT COSTS US MONEY. It takes too long, prevents key people from working slowing down cash flow, and the training is too narrow and vastly outdated in the main. No specific building services course available locally Qualifications they leave with are not up to current requirements. e.g. can t work on gas or oil. The limit on overseas training is about 3,500 which is used up on flights within the first 2 years The technician that is doing a course at the college of FE does not qualify due to having a degree, however most others on her course are on the scheme We have no ongoing contact at present Welding scheme not right for modern business
30% of training is done on the job 32% of training is done off island 29% of training is done through local training providers and manufacturers representatives
Training Not Available Locally? Architectural training - all 5 years of University based study. Part 3 Architectural Professional Exams - not available locally, although there are schemes to allow students to study remotely. Btec in electronic engineering Building Services Engineering Gas training. Flue gas analyser competency. Heat pumps. At present the cost of living and the length is putting a lot of youngsters off doing apprenticeships. Also, the calibre of employees that seek employment with us are not as academically able as required for a full apprenticeship (or so they believe) Most, if not all, training is available locally but at a cost to the business concerned. Qualification up to charge hand level REFRIGERATION AND AIRCONDITIONING ENGINEERING COURSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE Renewable Energy Renewables, e.g. solar, air source unvented hot water, oftec, (bpec) RIBA Part III; CAD (Revit); Conservation skills; product specific CPD RICS training Specialist (BIM) software Specialist surveying update courses and seminars Surveying, large plant, rope access, various tool specific courses. Technical training courses other than CPD events. There are a number of courses specific to our industry that are not available locally
Training not available locally? Architecture Architectural training - all 5 years of University based study. Part 3 Architectural Professional Exams - not available locally, although there are schemes to allow students to study remotely. Electronic engineering Btec Btec in electronic engineering Building Services Engineering services engineering Gas training. Flue gas analyser competency. Heat pumps. At present Gas the training cost of living and the length is putting a lot of youngsters off doing apprenticeships. Also, the calibre of employees that seek employment with us are not as academically able as required Heat for a pumps full apprenticeship (or so they believe) Most, if not all, training is available locally but at a cost to the business concerned. Qualification Refrigeration up to charge hand & level air-conditioning REFRIGERATION AND AIRCONDITIONING ENGINEERING COURSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE Renewables Energy - solar, air/heat source etc. Renewables, e.g. solar, air source unvented hot water, oftec, (bpec) RIBA RIBA Part III; CAD (Revit); Conservation skills; product specific CPD RICS training Specialist CAD (BIM) software Specialist surveying update courses and seminars Surveying, Conservation large plant, rope access, skills various tool specific courses. Technical training courses other than CPD events. There Specialist are a number of surveying courses specific to our industry that are not available locally
Why Non Locals Are Employed 29% of companies employ people from outside the Bailiwick It is more cost effective 8.3% We can't find people with the right skills locally 75% We can't find enough people locally for the size of our projects 41.7%
Specialist Technical Skills IT Skills Trade Skills Administration Management Environmental
Skills required which are not readily Architectural training is not available on island. available locally Being a small building firm we require our staff to be multi-skilled Building Services Engineering Certain projects require experience not found locally or require training that mandates minimum hours worked in a certain period. In Guernsey it is hard to keep these skills valid with the varied nature of the work. Consulting geotechnical engineers Draughtsmen; architectural technologists; non-permanent Electronic and mechanical engineering Heavy mobile plant training, fixed process plant training, haulier training specific to tippers and ready-mix trucks. Street Works Act training for road works. Slinging and banksman training, crane planning, CONSAR. I have always found it hard to recruit or even find people with a wide enough area of understanding. This is mainly due to the limited opportunities here in Guernsey compared to mainland UK. Limited available reliable fully skilled tradesmen and specialists who do a fair days work for a fair days wage No training college available to bring Bpec here Operators of heavy plant, skilled ground workers Qualified Structural Engineers who want a new job are difficult to find locally. Renewable Energy ICT skills would help small (and large) businesses take advantage of new low cost technology Sound testing of new buildings is not available locally. Specialist IT programmes are sometimes required, training for which may not be available locally. Particularly BIM technologies. Welding and fabrication personnel are very short on numbers
Skills required which are not readily Architectural training is not available on island. available locally Specific IT skills Management & administration Architectural Building services engineering Consulting geotechnical engineers Draughtsmen Electronic & mechanical engineers Heavy plant operators Structural engineers Renewable energy specialists BIM technologies Welding & fabrication Being a small building firm we require our staff to be multi-skilled Building Services Engineering Certain projects require experience not found locally or require training that mandates minimum hours worked in a certain period. In Guernsey it is hard to keep these skills valid with the varied nature of the work. Consulting geotechnical engineers Draughtsmen; architectural technologists; non-permanent Electronic and mechanical engineering Heavy mobile plant training, fixed process plant training, haulier training specific to tippers and ready-mix trucks. Street Works Act training for road works. Slinging and banksman training, crane planning, CONSAR. I have always found it hard to recruit or even find people with a wide enough area of understanding. This is mainly due to the limited opportunities here in Guernsey compared to mainland UK. Limited available reliable fully skilled tradesmen and specialists who do a fair days work for a fair days wage No training college available to bring Bpec here Operators of heavy plant, skilled ground workers Qualified Structural Engineers who want a new job are difficult to find locally. Renewable Energy ICT skills would help small (and large) businesses take advantage of new low cost technology Sound testing of new buildings is not available locally. Specialist IT programmes are sometimes required, training for which may not be available locally. Particularly BIM technologies. Welding and fabrication personnel are very short on numbers
Yes In the future No YES - Now
Advances in technology creating the need for new skills and training BIM (Business Information Modelling) systems etc. Building regulations and construction design are changing rapidly and free training would be a distinct advantage as less outside contractors would be needed CAD drawing and design is becoming more essential CCTV and Access control is continually developing and moving more towards IP and IT based solutions, skill sets need to vary from being a great installer through to understanding how Microsoft works under the hood. Constant changes with products and regulations it is harder for older engineers to keep with new technology Customers are looking to us to provide solutions more often rather than just supplying products. Developments in BIM and CAD programs such as REVIT are beginning to influence the method of production information and often those on-island are not skilled in this area; however students returning to the island have better knowledge of this and can be picked up on their return Electronics sub manufacture is changing daily Energy efficiency in buildings is a challenge. there is some expertise locally but there does not seem to be anyone who understands all the elements and can bring them together. Advances are being made all the time but there is no coordination and it is up to the individual to research and keep abreast of technology. Heat pump installation requires more electrical skills as well as mechanical More technology based management systems and infrastructure may require us to gain skills in these areas. New programs are being used which require training for their use. Health and safety, and ticket requirements (say digger operator) means that staff need more training Renewable Energy there are not enough trained engineers on the planet to save the planet TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING RAPIDLY IN OUR INDUSTRY AND WE ARE UNABLE TO MEET THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS DUE TO THE COSTS OF OFF ISLAND TRAINING
Advances in technology creating the need for new skills and training BIM systems BIM (Business Information Modelling) systems etc Building regulations and construction design are changing rapidly and free training would be a distinct advantage as less outside contractors would be needed CAD drawing and design is becoming more essential CCTV and Access Construction control is continually developing design and moving more towards IP and IT based solutions, skill sets need to vary from being a great installer through to understanding how Microsoft works under the hood. Constant changes with products and regulations it is harder for older engineers to keep with new technology CAD Customers are looking to us to provide solutions more often rather than just supplying products. Developments in BIM and CAD programs such as REVIT are beginning to influence the method of production information IT and often for those CCTV on-island are & not access skilled in this area; control however students returning to the island have better knowledge of this and can be picked up on their return Electronics sub manufacture is changing daily Energy efficiency Electronics in buildings is a challenge. there is some expertise locally but there does not seem to be anyone who understands all the elements and can bring them together. Advances are being made all the time but there is no coordination and it is up to the individual to research and keep abreast of technology. Heat pump Renewable installation requires more electrical energy skills as well as mechanical More technology based management systems and infrastructure may require us to gain skills in these areas. New programs Heat are being pump used which require installation training for their use. Health and safety, and ticket requirements (say digger operator) means that staff need more training Renewable Energy there are not enough trained engineers on the planet to save the planet Health & safety TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING RAPIDLY IN OUR INDUSTRY AND WE ARE UNABLE TO MEET THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS DUE TO THE COSTS OF OFF ISLAND TRAINING
No Yes
New regulations planned for the future that will create the need for new skills and new training Air tightness testing; water efficiency calculations; possibility of new heat loss calculation methods Energy saving elements of the building regulations Eurocodes Guernsey Technical Standards (Building Regulations) are regularly updated, but this is more CPD than new skills... Harmonised European regulations, 'Eurocodes', are currently a challenge and will continue to be so as they develop. MCA may be required to install renewable energy systems as it is in UK as no fossil fuel burning appliances are allowed to be installed after 2014 in UK. On-going health & Safety issues Regulations have just changed and will again in 2013 we have to keep up which means a training centre or travel to the UK if you can afford it Renewable Energy Renewables and product advancement and building regulations, tighter health and safety requirements Update Building Regulations, SAP, water efficiency
New regulations planned for the future that will create the need for new skills and new training Air Air tightness tightness testing; water efficiency calculations; possibility of new heat loss calculation methods Energy saving elements of the building regulations Eurocodes Water efficiency Guernsey Technical Standards (Building Regulations) are regularly updated, but this Energy is more CPD than saving new skills... Harmonised European regulations, 'Eurocodes', are currently a challenge and will continue to be so as they develop. MCA Building may be required to regulations install renewable energy systems as it is in UK as no fossil fuel burning appliances are allowed to be installed after 2014 in UK. On-going Eurocodes health & Safety issues Regulations have just changed and will again in 2013 we have to keep up which means a training centre or travel to the UK if you can afford it Health & safety Renewable Energy Renewables and product advancement and building regulations, tighter health and safety requirements Update Building Regulations, SAP, water efficiency Renewable energy systems
No Yes
Is your company's development being held back because of a lack of skills in your workforce or a lack of experienced individuals locally? Being a small firm if a person is looking for a job with us and is fully qualified in a certain skill either their hourly rate is too high for us and generally they are not as willing or able to do other jobs required when there is no work in their particular skill. Extra Electronic fault finding skills would increase profits Limited quality workforce available in Guernsey No experienced electrical designers locally Only where specific large projects (extra-care housing/hospital/education) are considered too large or too specialist for local companies Renewable Energy - not enough trained engineers across the board in all sectors of this burgeoning new industry The people with certain skills and work attitudes are getting older and there is a lack of young people either with the necessary skills or the mindset and attitude to get them. There is currently a modest shortage of Chartered Structural Engineers working on the island, and there are very few currently undergoing training. The need for an improved skill set is increasing my work load and stopping the company from moving forward at full speed. We are a small company at present, but I can foresee problems down the road as the company gets larger and the need for specialist skills increases. We need qualified people to expand. We would like to expand further however there is a lack of good locally qualified mechanical engineers & plumbers looking for work. WITH THE RAPID MOVE TO GREENER TECHNOLOGY IT FALLS DIRECTLY WITHIN OUR SKILLS AREA HOWEVER WE ARE UNABLE TO FIND SUITABLY TRAINED STAFF TO FULFILL THE POTENTIAL INCREASE IN WORK
Is your company's development being held back because of a lack of skills in your workforce or a lack of experienced individuals locally? Being a small firm if a person is looking for a job with us and is fully qualified in a certain skill either their Electronic hourly rate is too high for us fault and generally finding they are not as willing or able to do other jobs required when there is no work in their particular skill. Extra Electronic fault finding skills would increase profits Limited Electrical quality workforce available designers in Guernsey No experienced electrical designers locally Only Renewable where specific large projects (extra-care energy housing/hospital/education) engineers are considered too large or too specialist for local companies Renewable Energy - not enough trained engineers across the board in all sectors of this burgeoning new Chartered industry structural engineers The people with certain skills and work attitudes are getting older and there is a lack of young people either with the necessary skills or the mindset and attitude to get them. There Mechanical is currently a modest shortage engineers of Chartered Structural Engineers working on the island, and there are very few currently undergoing training. The need for an improved skill set is increasing my work load and stopping the company from moving Plumbers forward at full speed. We are a small company at present, but I can foresee problems down the road as the company gets larger and the need for specialist skills increases. We need Plant qualified people operators expand. We would like to expand further however there is a lack of good locally qualified mechanical engineers & plumbers looking for work. WITH Structural THE RAPID MOVE TO GREENER engineers TECHNOLOGY IT FALLS DIRECTLY WITHIN OUR SKILLS AREA HOWEVER WE ARE UNABLE TO FIND SUITABLY TRAINED STAFF TO FULFILL THE POTENTIAL INCREASE IN WORK
No Yes
Changes that might present an opportunity for growth if people with the right skills or if appropriate training was available locally? Energy Consultancy is growing Energy efficient solutions & surveys Extra electronic fault finding skills would increase profits We would benefit from more work ready school leavers that want to come into the construction industry through choice not necessity and would encourage us to expand. If the right people were available locally we would not need to import skilled Plant operators Large scale mixed-use schemes currently under consideration & development at planning stage will come online and require a large workforce to service in an adequate timescale. New construction methods for housing are changing and there will be further opportunities in the construction industry for the younger generation, once they can achieve the training which should be readily available to our sector on a no charge basis for the smaller less well off business. Larger companies may actually be the best areas to offer this training as they may be in a better financial and educational position to offer help through our states. Our scope for expansion is stopped by lack of staff Renewable energy is growing THE REQUIREMENT FOR OUR SERVICES IS GROWING RAPIDLY WE ARE NOT ABLE TO OBTAIN TRAINED OPERATIVES Some Structural Engineering work is subcontracted off-island due to the lack of local capacity. Having more qualified engineers on the island would allow local firms to grow and remove this situation. Yes. People having the right skills, is something we have provided from within our organisation.
Changes that might present an opportunity for growth if people with the right skills or if appropriate training was available locally? Energy Consultancy is growing Energy efficient solutions consultancy & surveys Extra electronic fault finding skills would increase profits We would benefit from more work ready school leavers that want to come into the construction industry Electronic through choice not necessity fault and would finding encourage us to expand. If the right people were available locally we would not need to import skilled Plant operators Large scale mixed-use schemes currently under consideration & development at planning stage will come More online and require work a large workforce ready to service school in an adequate timescale. leavers New construction methods for housing are changing and there will be further opportunities in the construction industry for the younger generation, once they can achieve the training which should be New readily available construction to our sector a no charge basis methods for the smaller less well off business. Larger companies may actually be the best areas to offer this training as they may be in a better financial and educational position to offer help through our states. Our Requires scope for expansion is stopped more by lack of structural staff engineers Renewable energy is growing THE REQUIREMENT FOR OUR SERVICES IS GROWING RAPIDLY WE ARE NOT ABLE TO OBTAIN TRAINED OPERATIVES Some Structural Engineering work is subcontracted off-island due to the lack of local capacity. Having more qualified engineers on the island would allow local firms to grow and remove this situation. Yes. People having the right skills, is something we have provided from within our organisation.
Further Comments School leavers should be encouraged to believe that the construction industry is a good career move even if you are not academically the greatest. One year cross section vocational fulltime college course with work experience during college break/holidays If the plumbing course at the college does not improve we will not be putting anymore apprentices through, will train in on job & send on courses off island. If the States Of Guernsey continue to award contracts to people who do not use local companies ( unless not available locally) there will be no need for skills training or apprenticeships. Our industry is changing at a very fast rate and without a training centre we will be left behind Please note that this information is not just anonymous, but is also commercially sensitive, and whilst we are satisfied that it be used to form a general view of the industry and our sector, specific information should not be quoted in any report or document or released into the public domain. We need Electronics run locally again We rely on foreign labour to make up numbers MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL/ENGINEERING TRAINING ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY You can lead a horse to water but you can't get it to drink. No good having training available if people don't want to put the effort in to train and improve themselves. No good spending funds on training staff only to have them leave to start their own businesses and compete against you. Most skills are available but once again being able to run my business and afford to have my man power off training is not sustainable in the longer term, help would be a very good change but our past governments are quite unwilling to see this through in our sector of the construction industry
Further Comments School leavers should be encouraged to believe that the construction industry is a good career move even if you are not academically the greatest. One year cross section vocational fulltime college course with work experience during college break/holidays More encouragement for school leavers to join the construction industry Improve GCFE courses - plumbing, welding & electronics The States should award contracts to local companies Technical engineering for Green Technology More encouragement for individuals & companies to take on more training The States to provide more support for this industry If the plumbing course at the college does not improve we will not be putting anymore apprentices through, will train in on job & send on courses off island. If the States Of Guernsey continue to award contracts to people who do not use local companies ( unless not available locally) there will be no need for skills training or apprenticeships. Our industry is changing at a very fast rate and without a training centre we will be left behind Please note that this information is not just anonymous, but is also commercially sensitive, and whilst we are satisfied that it be used to form a general view of the industry and our sector, specific information should not be quoted in any report or document or released into the public domain. We need Electronics run locally again We rely on foreign labour to make up numbers MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL/ENGINEERING TRAINING ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY You can lead a horse to water but you can't get it to drink. No good having training available if people don't want to put the effort in to train and improve themselves. No good spending funds on training staff only to have them leave to start their own businesses and compete against you. Most skills are available but once again being able to run my business and afford to have my man power off training is not sustainable in the longer term, help would be a very good change but our past governments are quite unwilling to see this through in our sector of the construction industry
Thank You