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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One of the many challenges in my role is not to feel continually impressed by our members, working as they do in the most challenging of environments. And only the more cynical among you would find it hard not to be inspired by many of them, too. I consider myself lucky to be able to regularly meet so many of our members.
The role of President of the CIOB goes back to 1838 when the organisation began promoting the science and practice of excellence in building. To be a part of this history is a huge honour and comes with legal and governance responsibilities. The CIOB is highly respected internationally and, to maintain this reputation, we need great leaders and mentors. I am thankful to have found them in abundance during my Presidential year.
Canada is widely recognized as one of the world’s largest markets for commercial, residential and infrastructure development. The industry is currently in the throes of a major boom, not only because of the surge in exciting new innovations and technologies, but also because of a growing demand for skilled workers.
Planet Earth is our home that we share with 7.6 billion human beings and zillions of creatures great and small. Our planet is essentially one giant zoo that we’re all living inside of, and currently rather dominating.
Construction is a crucial sector within the UK economy. In 2016, the value of new construction work reached its highest level on record at over £99 million and the sector created over 55,000 new jobs. However, with this success comes a challenge: modern day slavery is hidden on construction sites across the UK today.
It’s nearly four years since CIOB’s Annual Members’ Forum in Qatar. We covered a lot of ground in that hot and dusty week. As well as looking at world class projects, members learned about the challenges of protecting migrants and the evils of illegal recruitment fees. We also explored best practice, such as how to improve worker welfare and how to recruit ethically.
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.