Nicholas Maclean
OBE, RD, FRICS, Acting President and Acting Chair of Governing Council, President Elect, RICS
The UK construction industry is at a pivotal stage, with over 225,000 additional workers needed by 2027, as projected by the Construction Skills Network.
Construction skills shortage challenge
A shortage of skilled professionals is already hindering the government’s ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes within the next five years, as highlighted in the latest RICS Construction Monitor.
Tackling this issue is also crucial in resolving the UK’s ongoing planning challenges. However, I believe that by creating a talent pool equipped with the necessary expertise, we can unlock issues in the planning system and accelerate the delivery of much-needed housing and infrastructure.
At RICS, we are committed to tackling this challenge head-on by educating and inspiring the next generation of property and construction professionals. Our approach focuses on early engagement, enhancing educational pathways and fostering industry collaboration to ensure the built environment is equipped to meet future demands.
Engaging with young people during
their formative years is critical.
Built environment education
Engaging with young people during their formative years is critical. RICS has hosted discussions exploring how to embed built environment education into the curriculum, from Key Stages 3 and 4 to the introduction of a Built Environment GCSE.
In 2021, Wales added ‘built environment education’ to their curriculum, to inspire 14 to 16-year-olds to think about a career in the industry. They gain practical skills, industry insights and a broader appreciation of the careers available. This is the type of solution that we need to bring to the rest of the UK.
Education-industry collaboration
Effective partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders are vital. By bringing students closer to real-world practices, we can create a pipeline of diverse, skilled professionals ready to address the housing crisis, tackle climate challenges and reimagine the built environment.
By prioritising education and collaboration, we can ensure the construction sector has the skills to build the homes, infrastructure and communities that will shape the future of the UK.
