Addressing the construction skills shortage

Recent reports have suggested that by 2025, the construction sector will be facing a shortage of an estimated 250,000 skilled labour workers.

UK manufacturing is at a seven month high, accounts for around 10% of economic output and employs around 2.6million workers, whilst construction accounts for around 7% of economic output and employs approximately 1.4million workers.

Increased labour rates and shortage of skilled labour is going to be an issue in traditional construction and it will drive prices up and cause project programmes to lengthen.

I hear every day from roofing contractors across the UK and other areas of construction, of how less and less trades people are now available.

We need to look at this seriously and try to bring new or young people into the construction industry as tradespeople. We should show them there is a career path if they want it and that the Offsite/Modular market can help in developing that career in different areas of the construction industry.

The benefit of offsite construction is that design and factory processes allow for an enhanced quality of build whilst using relatively un-skilled factory labour.

Benefits of offsite construction include:
• Utilising a controlled factory environment
• More Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV%) = Less work onsite
• Predictability of build; robust design procedures and design freeze prior to manufacture
• Enhanced Health and Safety
• Enhanced Sustainability; controlled supply chain and segregation of waste
• Predictability and reduction of embodied carbon / emissions
• Less ‘skilled’ labour
• Enhanced training via internal workshops and toolbox talks

These are just a few of the benefits to which I am sure there are a lot more and this is where Metrotile UK can help. Metrotile offer a roof system that is up to 7 times lighter than traditional products and is quicker install with less wastage. Less vehicles on the road to deliver the tiles also result in cutting back on carbon emissions.

At Metrotile UK Ltd, we have a culture of creating sustainable futures through our manufacturing plant in Tongeren, Belgium. The steel offered has 25% recycled steel within its core, efficient manufacturing systems, stone coatings and the product is totally recyclable, with the factory also having a rainwater harvesting system. We are always looking into R&D and new products for the future. PV Solar as a main product with a solar tile to be launched in late 2022.

A full range of roof tile systems ensure that we provide a roof that is more carbon neutral than other products. Full technical and installation training is provided to the Modular builder or roofing contractor.

Why not come along and visit Metrotile on Stand C61 at the CIH Show/Housing 2022 in Manchester at the Manchester Central Convention Centre Complex M2 3GX. Meet the team and see what Metrotile has to offer in lightweight roofing.

We also have a CPD offering. If you are interested to know more, please contact: BD2@metrotile.co.uk

www.metrotile.co.uk