Construction & Civil Engineering Magazine Issue 217 - Sept 2024 | Page 25

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Labour e gap

Solving the UK ’ s engineering skills crisis .
By Finn Neylon

The European engineering sector faces a looming shortfall of one million engineers by 2030 . This growing skills gap threatens our ability to meet the growing demands for UK infrastructure development , decarbonisation , and technological innovation . To overcome this , we need to attract , develop , and retain a diverse and skilled workforce . This requires a multifaceted approach , breaking down barriers to entry and retention , creating inclusive working environments and embracing technology to modernise our profession and inspire a new generation .

Understanding the challenge
Over half the respondents in the RICS ’ 2024 Q2
construction monitor reported that a skills shortage is affecting building activity . An ageing workforce and a sparse pipeline of new talent compound the issue . It ’ s not just about numbers either ; it ’ s about diversity and inclusivity . Despite progress , the number of women in engineering has
ccemagazine . com 25