Youngsters less respect for construction industry

Fewer younger people believe construction or engineering is a respected occupation, according to a new study.

The research among more than 1000 adults was conducted for Consensus Recruitment as part of a year-long research project into people’s attitudes to work related issues.

It shows that while 86% of adults think jobs such as architects, building services engineers and construction managers are worthwhile, only 75% of 16-24 year olds do.

Some 91.5% in the 45-64 age group see such careers differently to people from the dotcom and service industry generation.

Consensus Recruitment managing director Martin Tyrrell said: “With major construction needs after London’s successful Olympic bid, and the expansion in social housing and infrastructure, British companies must be able to rely on new talent coming through to make sure we maximise the benefits from investment in major civil engineering and construction projects.”

“It’s partly a communication issue too though. With large numbers of younger people saying they simply don’t know if the sector is a good or bad career choice, we need to tell them about all the modern technology, enlightened attitudes and up-to-date benefits that forward-looking firms provide.”

Scotland was the top region endorsing jobs in the sector and the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside along with Greater London had lower than average levels of confidence in a construction or engineering career.

Jane Cade from the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers said: “Engineering is driven not only by the way a building looks and its initial construction but also the way it operates.

“Environmental issues such as climate change are now a driving force in the built environment industry and the role of the engineer is vital.

“A building services engineer can identify and implement ground breaking technologies that improve the energy efficiency of buildings, increase levels of comfort for occupants and to provide improved functionality throughout the building.”