Another fantastic and in-depth review. Thank you. There is defiantly a misconception around the composition of construction employment, as shown in your numbers. I’d image the UK will be similar.
I predict that the proportion labourers will continue to decrease. Partly due to those people who in the past would move to construction as a labourer will be attracted by less intensive occupations (warehouse, delivery, etc…). But also because off-site, robotics, and automation gathers pace. I’d predict a drop off in admin roles too.
The big question is what will the impact be on Knowldge/skill workers (engineers, architects, etc…) from AI? It will be interesting to keep an eye on workforce composition as the industry navigates the latest disruptions.
Coincidentally the review of the UK's ITBs by Mark Farmer has just been released. It was done in 2023 and the data is for 2020, but here's what it says on page 41:
"In terms of the job role make up of the construction industry, 57% are elementary level, plant or trade craft operatives. Professional, management and technical roles constitute 33% of the workforce with 10% of the workforce are in support or administrative roles.
In terms of attainment, 73% of the workforce are at level 3 and below, including 5% who are unqualified. 21% are degree level or above qualified."
Interesting because similar to Australia and the US.
Another fantastic and in-depth review. Thank you. There is defiantly a misconception around the composition of construction employment, as shown in your numbers. I’d image the UK will be similar.
I predict that the proportion labourers will continue to decrease. Partly due to those people who in the past would move to construction as a labourer will be attracted by less intensive occupations (warehouse, delivery, etc…). But also because off-site, robotics, and automation gathers pace. I’d predict a drop off in admin roles too.
The big question is what will the impact be on Knowldge/skill workers (engineers, architects, etc…) from AI? It will be interesting to keep an eye on workforce composition as the industry navigates the latest disruptions.
Thanks Neil.
Coincidentally the review of the UK's ITBs by Mark Farmer has just been released. It was done in 2023 and the data is for 2020, but here's what it says on page 41:
"In terms of the job role make up of the construction industry, 57% are elementary level, plant or trade craft operatives. Professional, management and technical roles constitute 33% of the workforce with 10% of the workforce are in support or administrative roles.
In terms of attainment, 73% of the workforce are at level 3 and below, including 5% who are unqualified. 21% are degree level or above qualified."
Interesting because similar to Australia and the US.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2023-industry-training-board-itb-review
It’s on the reading list - appreciate the reference. Thanks