Behind every towering structure of the construction industry lies more than steel and concrete, it’s a story of calculated risks, evolving demands, and the unwavering pursuit of progress.
The construction industry is known for its rapidly evolving and high-risk nature. The industry constantly faces shifts in technology, legislation, procurement practices, and the growing need for supply chain integration. With advancements in these areas, CPD has become a vital tool for upskilling employees and bridging skill gaps. CPD empowers construction professionals to adapt to the rapidly evolving changes, ensuring they remain competent, compliant, and ready for the future.
Why CPD Matters in the Construction Industry?
CPD matters in the construction industry as it reflects the dynamic nature of the sector. Continuing development helps professionals in overcoming the challenges and rapidly evolving market needs but now it has become a regulatory requirement. Over 500,000 individuals across approximately 50 organisations in the UK’s construction sector are required to undertake CPD as part of their professional development.
A survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) revealed that 79% of construction professionals believe that up-to-date CPD can help enhance the skill set of employees. This commitment to growth is reflected in the policies of leading regulatory bodies like the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the CIOB itself. For instance, RIBA mandates that all chartered members complete a minimum of 35 hours of CPD annually, with regular audits to ensure compliance.
The Role CPD Plays in the Construction Industry
CPDs play a vital role in the construction sector to keep professionals up-to-date on emerging technologies, laws, and best practices. It develops skills, helps workers comply with industry requirements, promotes sustainability, and improves workplace health and safety. A survey revealed that 37% of companies in the UK have fully embraced and implemented CPD among their construction managers. CPD supports professional growth, improves project management competencies, and develops greater teamwork, assuring the delivery of high-quality projects and meeting customer expectations effectively. Professional development provides a strategic structure to remain competitive in the developing industry.
The key areas where CPD plays a transformative role in the construction industry are;
Bridge Skills Gaps
Addressing the skill gap within the workforce is a primary role of CPD. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) finding suitably skilled staff remains a key challenge for 31% of construction employers. The regular introduction of new technologies and the recent shift in eco-friendly practices call for the continuous professional development of the employees. For instance, Building Information Modelling (BIM), which offers better design accuracy, project coordination, and efficiency, has become a routine practice in many building projects. However, a proficient staff utilising these advanced technologies is necessary for deploying BIM.
Prepare for Technological Advancements
CPD helps organisations to prepare for technological advancements such as innovations and new digital tools consistently transforming the industry. Tools like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are now used in designing, training and management enhancing the project efficacy. Incorporating these tools into professional development initiatives allows organisations to create immersive simulations for employee training, providing hands-on experience in a controlled environment.
Continuous training equips professionals with the skills required to adapt to technological advancements, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the modern construction landscape. Similarly, tailored training programmes focused on adopting digital tools are transforming traditional construction practices. For example, drones and artificial intelligence have enabled professionals to effectively conduct site surveys, monitor progress, and improve safety measures.
Promote Health, Safety, and Compliance
The construction industry is one of the riskiest fields to work in. Regular professional development trainings on health and safety ensure workers are educated about the latest safety regulations and procedures. These trainings make sure that employees are aware of safety measures and follow the safety protocols while using the equipment, significantly reducing the risk of on-site accidents.
“Safety is not just a slogan; it’s a way of life” echoes safety advocate Pete Conrad.
It ensures that organisations take risk management measures and responsibility for the on-site safety of the workforce. This helps maintain a safe working environment and keeps the organisations up-to-date with the latest changes in the regulations avoiding heavy fines, legal battles and project delays.
Improve Employee Retention and Morale
Continuing professional development is a key factor in employee retention. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UK construction industry faces a shortfall of more than 251,500 extra construction workers needed in the future to meet the growing demands. When employees are given the opportunity to develop themselves further in their field, it motivates them and feel valued in their workspace. Employee professional development ensures the company’s commitment to growth, improving job satisfaction and reducing turnover rate. Moreover, employees who engage in regular CPD are more likely to take on leadership roles, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organisation. For example, Skanksa’s ‘return to work’ scheme offered comprehensive trainings that enhanced the skill set of employees, resulting in improved employee retention and reduced turnover.
Maintain Professional Standards
In the construction industry, quality control is essential and maintaining the standards are absolute. Professional development ensures that high standards are maintained effectively by employees and authorities. The continuous training programmes help in understanding these standards and the latest trends. It also assists organisations in meeting regulatory requirements while upholding the integrity of best work practices and delivering quality projects. Professional bodies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) require chartered members to complete CPD annually to maintain their accredited status, ensuring consistent professional standards across the industry.
Build a Competent Workforce
Building a competent workforce that is highly skilled and can deal with modern construction challenges is essential. Well-trained employees with updated skill sets help organisations maintain a competitive edge in the market. Following continuing professional development, the framework ensures that professionals are adaptable to the latest skills, resourceful and ready to take on new responsibilities. This will lead to individual and organisational growth. For instance, the UK is shifting towards smarter construction methods, and with the relative professional development of employees, organisations can create a competent workforce equipped with modern skills.
The Influence of CPD on the Innovation of Construction Industry
Continuing professional development raises awareness among professionals and encourages them to incorporate the latest advancements in their projects. With a culture of innovation, industry can overcome obstacles and seize the opportunity for growth. In the construction industry, CPD is influencing the following factors.
Adopt Green Building Practices
In the construction industry professional development of employees helps with adopting eco-friendly practices. According to the UK’s government, the country aims to reduce its carbon emissions to zero by 2050. As sustainability is gaining popularity in the construction industry, organisations can educate professionals on incorporating green practices in their projects and constructing resource-efficient buildings. The training sessions on integrating modern methods into their projects will help advance the industry.
Encourage Creative Problem-Solving
CPD equips professionals with the tools and methodologies to tackle complex challenges creatively. The training sessions mostly emphasise lateral thinking techniques and collaborative brainstorming. Real-world examples and case studies help professionals apply those skills in their work and provide them with the opportunity to think outside the box. For example, a professional exposed to the training session on designing thinking while working on a project where he is designing an infrastructure will open more ways for him to think. This would help him to come up with a more unique structure by getting ideas from training.
Challenges in Implementing CPD
There are challenges faced during the implementation of CPD in construction. Key challenges faced by the construction industry during professional training are explained here.
| Challenges | Solutions | |
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Constraints |
Advanced professional training for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is difficult because these trainings can be expensive, sometimes these trainings require licences for new tools for employees to get familiar with them. It is hard for SMEs to afford training when there is no immediate financial benefit. |
Seek government grants and sponsorship to support professional development in the construction industry. Organisations can opt for blended learning methods offering flexibility while reducing the travel and venue cost. |
|
Time Constraints |
The construction industry is often packed with back-to-back deadlines, binding employees to a tight schedule. This type of schedule makes it hard for employees to take time from their daily routine for training. In a survey, 55.88% of the UK’s construction companies cited that one of the major inhibitors was that employees were too busy to undertake any form of staff development sessions. |
Provide online training with comprehensive resources that employees can access at their convenience, allowing them to fit learning into their schedules. Organisations can dedicate a few hours of work schedules toward the training programmes to ensure employee participation without disrupting the project timeline. |
|
Resistance to Change |
Experienced employees restrict the learning of innovative methods. They become so used to traditional methods that they become reluctant to step out of their comfort zone. They might take the professional development session as a waste of time. Sometimes employers also see training as a cost rather than an investment. |
Offer certification and rewards for completing training. Educate stakeholders on the importance of employees' professional development with real-time success stories and case studies. |
|
Lack of Customised Training |
Training on general topics might help the individuals who have just entered the industry but it is not very helpful for professionals already working in the field. The lack of personalised training that addresses the employee's unique needs is challenging. |
Regular assessments help to identify the skill gap so that tailored CPD(s) are offered to the employees. Separate training sessions must be organised for different roles to make the training more effective. |
|
Shortage of Trainers |
The construction industry often faces a lack of qualified trainers who can deliver specialised CPD content. This shortage hinders the implementation of effective training programmes. |
The organisation can train skilled employees or managers to become CPD facilitators. This approach leverages existing knowledge within the organisation. Organisations can collaborate with external resources for regular professional development sessions. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, continuing professional development plays a transformative role in the construction industry improving its capacity to adapt to new technologies and practices. By bridging knowledge gaps, fostering innovation, and ensuring adherence to safety and compliance standards, CPD empowers professionals to excel in their roles. It ensures that professionals have up-to-date knowledge of advancements and the latest improvements in the industry. Despite challenges tailored solutions like flexible online training and company-supported initiatives can ensure successful implementation. As the construction industry continues to evolve, investing in professional learning is not just a strategic advantage but a necessity for long-term growth and competitiveness. Organisations that prioritise CPD demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence and employee development, paving the way for a future-ready workforce.
