The construction industry is at a crossroads, faced with a significant skills gap that threatens to hinder progress and innovation. As the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, companies must invest in effective learning and development solutions to bridge this gap. Consequently, we believe targeted training is the key to close the skills gap in construction for good.
The Importance of Training in Upskilling
Training is the cornerstone of any effective learning and development strategy. So we want to make you aware of a range of tailored training programs designed to meet the specific needs of the construction industry. Here are some key areas where our training can close the skills gap in construction.
First Aid Training
In 2023/2024, 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents, with construction accounting for a significant portion (1). Our courses, including Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work, and Basic Life Support + AED, ensure that workers are prepared to handle medical emergencies on-site. Leading to greatly improved overall safety and responsiveness among individuals. This training addresses the critical need for emergency preparedness, which can lead to better outcomes during accidents.
Asbestos Safety Training
In 2022, there were 2,257 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain, primarily due to past asbestos exposure (2). We provide comprehensive asbestos awareness and management training, including Asbestos Awareness (CAT A), Duty to Manage Asbestos, and Non-Licensed Asbestos Work (CAT B). Therefore these programs are crucial for maintaining health and safety standards in construction environments mitigating the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Health and Safety Training
The construction industry accounted for 37% of all worker deaths in the U.K in 2023/2024 (1). Our IOSH-certified courses, such as IOSH Managing Safely® and IOSH Working Safely®, equip workers with the essential knowledge to manage risks and ensure safe working procedures and environments. Furthermore the training helps improve your safety practices, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ill-health and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Mental Health Training
The construction industry has the highest suicide rate of all industries, at 53.2 suicides per 100,000 workers (3). We offer Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Champion, and Mental Health Awareness courses. These can promote mental well-being and increase the level of support within the workforce. Addressing mental health issues can reduce time off work and improve overall productivity, helping workforce morale and efficiency.
Business Training
Our Ethics consultancy/training, Conflict Resolution, and Equality and Diversity training helps foster a professional and inclusive workplace culture. On the whole this training can lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment by addressing workplace conflicts and promoting inclusivity.
Fire Safety Training
Safety on construction sites has always been important. Construction work often includes introducing materials and practices that increase the fire risk. Thankfully, fires are not an everyday occurrence on most construction sites, the impact of fires can have a significant personal and financial impact. In the UK during 2023/4, the Office of National Statistics recoded 318 fires. (4) Courses like Fire Marshal and Fire Warden in Construction prepare workers to effectively manage fire safety protocols and emergencies. This training helps construction firms to ensure they have practical, preventative and protective procedures in place, reducing the risk of severe property damage and loss of life.
Behaviour-Based Safety Training
How we think, plan and act are all behaviours that influence safety standards. Recently, there has been an increased recognition that we all make mistakes. Because of this, many construction firms have highlighted the importance of recognising and appropriately managing and responding to safety-related errors, mistakes and non-compliance. Ouch is accredited to deliver the CITB Behavioural Safety Awareness do Construction and Behavioural Safety Management for Construction courses. This training focuses on behavioural influencing factors and how to respond to inappropriate behaviours, helping construction firms to reduce the risk of behaviour-related accidents and ill-health issues.
Manual Handling Training
Lifting, carrying, or pushing and pulling materials, tools and equipment accounted for 17% of non-fatal employee injuries in 2023/2024 (5). Training in Manual Handling Operators and Supervising Manual Handling helps reduce the risk of injuries, improving the planning and operation of manual handling activities on site. Therefore this training supports your needs for a strategic and operational approach to recognising and reducing manual handling issues prevalent in the construction industry.
CITB Employer Network Grant
The CITB Employer Network Grant is a valuable resource for construction companies looking to upskill their workforce. This initiative, funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), simplifies the process of accessing training and funding. Employers can receive up to £25,000 annually to support their training needs (6). Additionally the grant covers a wide range of training programs, including those offered by Ouch Learning and Development, and ensures that companies can invest in the skills required to meet current and future industry demands.
Conclusion
Closing the skills gap in the construction industry requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By investing in targeted training programs, companies can equip their workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. At Ouch Learning and Development, we are committed to providing innovative and effective learning solutions to help close the skills gap in construction for good and ensure the continued success of the industry.
Edited by Managing Director, Simon Cassin MA, BA (Hons) FRSPH, CMIOSH, MIIRSM
1: Work-Related Fatal Injuries in Great Britain – HSE, 2: Asbestos Health Statistics – UKATA, 3: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention In Construction [STATS] – Trimble Inc., 4: Fire Statistics – Home Office 5: Statistics – Non-fatal injuries at work in Great Britain, 6: CITB Employer Network – 3B Training