A series of interviews featuring leading voices within the building training industry offering insights on the current construction skills shortage is now able to view.

The first two episodes include enlightening Q&A sessions with Simon Livett, Centre Manager at the ABC Assessment Centre, a nationwide provider of accredited short duration training courses for bricklayers across the country and Anthony Frame, Manager at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The interviews, conducted by Fabrick, marketing specialists for the built environment, can be accessed via the company’s YouTube channel.

Simon Livett said: “The videos were a great opportunity for those of us involved in training the next generation of tradespeople to have our say on how the process can be improved to address the current skills shortage. More needs to be done to encourage younger people into construction and ensure they are ready for the skills challenges that await them on site. The ABC Assessment Centre’s training programme in modern masonry techniques was set up to address this very issue.”

The interview with Simon Livett focuses on the CITB statistic which shows 75% of students who have a completed a construction-based course do not progress to a full-time job in the industry. Calling upon his extensive knowledge in the building-related training sector, Simon gives his verdict on what the industry needs to do to support students’ entry into the trade. Additionally, with current Office for National Statistics records showing construction employment fell from 2.3million in 2017 to 2.1million by the end of 2020, Simon predicts how the skills shortage might evolve over the coming decade.

In his interview, Anthony Frame is asked whether flexible working could be among incentives used to attract some of the 217,000 people it’s estimated are needed to fill the construction skills gap. Among a host of forthright opinions, Anthony makes a direct appeal to youngsters on the many benefits of a career in the building trade.

Simon Livett added; “These interviews give an airing to ideas and opinions I believe many training providers feel need promoting in order to tackle the negative impact the skills shortage is having on the construction. I would hope all of those involved in the building supply chain, particularly those in recruitment, spare a moment to watch them.”