Upskilling for Success: In-Demand Skills for Construction Professionals in the UK

The number of qualified employees is growing in every branch, and construction can be viewed as an industry that requires professionals to develop construction. Thus, with this increased demand and new technologies on the horizon, there lies a talent management problem within the industry, and the solution to this problem is to upskill. This is a way by which construction companies can not only be in a position to source fresh talent to join their firms but also be in a position to ensure that the skills gap is closed and that the firms are in a position to be fundamental in today’s competitive market. 

So, read on to discover how construction skills upgrading is revolutionising the construction industry and discover the In-demand skills in construction UK.

What is Upskilling

Upskilling is a concept where one learns new skills or develops more of the current skills in a certain field due to the changes in the market. Many agree that technology has transformed the construction industry in the last few decades. Advanced technology, such as AI and other future technologies, is expected to revolutionise the construction industry in the coming years. New technologies and developments arise, which call for a workforce capable of properly deploying such technologies. Up-skilling ensures construction career advancement and is well-equipped to handle technologies.

As skills enhancement is gradually becoming a valuable asset, organisations should also embark on construction safety training and technology training to enable them to cope. Upskilling helps companies compete for more challenging and qualified projects and produce a better and higher quality outcome than competitors, thus improving the company’s image in the market and the company’s reputation in front of potential clients and employees. In turn, this assists organisations in acquiring the best human resources, improving performance and sustaining a competitive edge over other firms.

Specific construction skills

Employers of construction workers must agree that these employees must understand how to pour cement, install dry walls, lay bricks, install items, do carpentry work and any other work an employer may require of them on the construction site. Although it would be better if the construction workers possessed the knowledge to do many things, it is feasible for a candidate to secure a job with experiences focusing on some aspects. 

Reading and analytical skills

Construction workers must be able to interpret plans and understand the final look of the actual construction or structure. These In-demand skills in construction UK are also required so that construction workers can make adjustments when necessary and compute measurements and angles.

Decision-making skills

However, apart from the problem-solving skills required in construction work, decision-making skills are also equally essential. These skills can be useful when one is undecided as to how to begin or approach a portion of the project or when determining how much more of the project to complete before quitting for the day.

Organisational skills

Construction workers must be grouped so that they do not spend their time looking for something they require. Misplaced tools, papers, reports, and any other related items cost a company some cash, so they are always in search of individuals who can account for these things while their concentration is on the task assigned to them.

Physically fit

It should be noted that construction work is one of the most strenuous jobs, and that is why all workers in this industry should be healthy. They have to be able to lift something heavy, bend very frequently, stand on their feet for hours on end and much more every day at work.

Problem-solving skills

Issues are always bound to arise at construction work sites, so every construction worker should be good at offering solutions. Such problems typically have to be solved immediately because the work cannot be paused for any significant amount of time. This kind of thinking can be slightly stressful, but with practice, it becomes even more accessible and allows us to develop solutions faster.

Dexterity

Some of the work undertaken by construction workers entails mobility, fixed installation, and movements in compact zones. This all requires proper coordination and the required manipulative skills of hands, arms, legs, and feet. A little ingenuity is also a must in this field!

Communication

Communication is very important in any worksite; therefore, any successful construction worker will need to employ many ways of communication. Verbal means are important when it comes to interpersonal communication or when one wants to convey a message to others regarding the project at hand, while written means are important when one is completing forms and other documents that are taken to others.

Technological skills

Construction is now very much involved with technology, and thus, construction workers should have good technological competencies. They can no longer rely on the mere knowledge of how to send an email since much of the paperwork, progress reports, change orders, and so on is now done electronically. Construction career advancement in technology is not a trend, but evidence. 

Strong memory

The contractors who are required to inform their subordinates things more than once are going only to survive short in the construction industry since the companies want to notify a particular thing to their employee just once, and they are free to start working. Individuals who cannot recall certain things can be liable to any firm.

Listening skills

We can all open our mouths and speak endlessly, but it requires a special, hardworking construction worker to listen closely and to understand what is being said. If they have understood it to the last point, they can proceed with what they are doing; if they have not understood something, they should be courteous to ask for an explanation.

Working well with others

Collaborating with other individuals seems relatively easy at first sight; however, people are always shocked by the number of people who have issues with their co-workers. Construction workers have to collaborate extensively to complete the tasks at hand on time and within the budgetary constraints imposed on the project. Thus, there can be no time for one to be angry with the person to whom they need to talk.

Digital Upskilling in Construction

This indicates that the construction industry is still evolving with the current technological developments; AI and other new technologies are common in the building process. For construction contractors to ensure they embrace these advancements, they also need to execute construction safety training to train the workers on using digital skills. Numeracy, coding, and the ability to use construction software are just some elements of digital competencies, and if developed, will improve the industry’s efficiency.

Applying digital tools and AI resources can help reduce costs, improve quality, and eliminate enmity and monotony that may hinder competitive performance. If organisations continuously develop their human resources and encourage employees to accept technological advancements, businesses can continue leading the market’s innovation. The company must maintain its competitive advantage and meet client expectations within the rapidly evolving industry space.

It also opens a chance for people to prepare for their careers in the future by upskilling in In-demand skills in construction UK. As AI and automation advance and create new paradigms in industries, the persons possessing digital competencies will stay relevant. Through personal development, employees can create a competitive environment in the future when the external environment is filled with advanced technology.