The world of construction is always changing. Our blogs uncover the latest developments in the industry and provide insight into the work CIOB and our members are doing for the built environment.
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The pride and passion CIOB members share for the Institute has never failed to impress me and our Chartered home has been a big, important part of my professional and personal life. I was honored to be President of the CIOB a few years ago and during that time I visited most of our local operations in the UK and overseas.
We know how hard it is to acquire a CIOB Diploma in Construction Site Management. We’ve seen first-hand, over the past 30 years, the hard work and effort each individual puts in to achieve this qualification. During the two years of study, students are given the knowledge and skills to manage complex projects effectively. We award over 300 students a year and we see the sense of achievement they have when they can list it on their CV to potential employers, enabling them to progress into senior management roles in construction.
The majority of construction professionals will work on historic buildings at some point during their career, but most will not understand the different approaches needed to repair and ‘restore’ traditional construction. This is the predominant reason for the creation of the CIOB’s Conservation Special Interest Group (SIG) - to promote the skills, knowledge and innovation this aspect of the construction industry requires. Our group consists of CIOB members who are passionate about conserving listed and traditional buildings, and we are working hard to raise the profile for heritage needs across the world.
The challenge of attracting a new generation of talent into the industry is sadly a topic all too familiar for the construction industry. Latest UK statistics suggest the sector will have a gap in its workforce at over 150,000 people by 2022, so there are opportunities. Part of the problem is the prevalent misconception in schools, universities and in society at large about what the industry does and therefore what a career in construction can offer.
I didn’t decide to enter the construction industry until my mid-twenties. I was working as a telecom engineer and had 2 young children and really wanted a career change. I had just recently completed a refurbishment of my house and enjoyed it so much I thought a career in construction would be enjoyable.
My career path into construction has been a winding, sometimes bumpy, but definitely worthwhile, journey. It hasn’t been the traditional route from school into higher education or an apprenticeship. When I was in my teens I fell on hard times. It was a struggle as I found myself homeless and felt that there were no opportunities for me to pursue a career, I just needed a job. I found myself working in hospitality, in bars and shops, but I knew it wasn’t what I wanted long-term.
There is no quicker way to learn than to immerse yourself in an unfamiliar environment, and that’s how apprenticeships work. People are immersed in their role and they learn by doing. It really is no wonder why work-based learning delivers such fantastic results for employers. They offer businesses an array of benefits, from retention to productivity. In fact, research has shown that a typical apprentice delivers productivity gains of over £10,000 per annum. With the arrival of new standards, there is no better time to invest in apprenticeships.
Each year the CIOB run the Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship, which is a one-year research scholarship on the subject of construction management. This year’s recipients, Alex Stephens and George Holder, are both new to construction, with less than 6 years in the industry between them. For National Careers Week 2018, they sat down to tell the CIOB how they’ve ended up pursuing a career in construction.
From my accidental start in a building surveyor's office to a fulfilling 25-year career in construction, I've discovered an industry rich with opportunities for anyone passionate about creating change and leaving a lasting impact.
I discovered the Construction Manager of the Year Awards (CMYA) back when I was a student and decided then that one day I would apply, and one day I would win. Throughout my career the award has been at the back of mind but I wanted to wait to find that moment where I felt worthy of it.
January can feel like a tough month for most of us. After the excitement of the Christmas and New Year holiday, where we might’ve filled ourselves with mince pies and turkey surrounded by loved ones, we suddenly find ourselves back in the real world and back to work. That is, if we are fortunate enough to be employed.
If you hold any sensitive client, employee or supplier data, you could be at risk of a cyber-attack and data breach. A recent survey by Hiscox insurance found that 51% of UK businesses have experienced a cyber-attack in the past 12 months. Although large organisations such as the NHS attack make the headlines, it’s the threat to small and medium businesses which could have devastating consequences.