The CLC’s Industry
Skills Plan for 2022/23 identifies four strategic priorities for the sector
– Culture, Routes into Industry, Competence and Future Skills – and recognises
the need to attract and retain workers from more diverse backgrounds.
To support this, we have called on the industry to offer more ‘taster’
opportunities and Open Doors,
which is delivered by Build UK, gives young people and those looking for a
change of career a unique chance to visit construction sites across Great
Britain and get a taste of what it’s really like to work in the industry, while
also learning about the wide range of career opportunities available.
This year’s Open Doors will run from Monday
13 – Saturday 18 March 2023 with more than 230 construction
sites, offices, factories and training centres opening across England, Scotland
and Wales and showcasing hundreds of different professions. Supporting the
strategic priorities of the CLC the industry is encouraged to champion Open
Doors across social media and encourage anyone exploring their future career to
book a visit to go behind the hoardings on a variety of projects, including hospitals,
schools, stadiums, viaducts, and production and training facilities.
Open Doors is delivered in partnership with a range of organisations –
including CITB, the Department for Education (DfE), the Department for Work and
Pensions (DWP), and Kier – and aims to change perceptions of construction and
encourage the next generation to explore opportunities across the sector.
Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the CLC
said: “Construction is
a sector offering careers for life and real opportunities to deliver big
change. With a growing population, communities up and down the country need our
expertise to provide vital infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, homes,
offices, and transportation links.
"Whilst this strong demand means a stable
pipeline of work, it also ensures there is a constant demand for skills – both
traditional and emerging. The future of the construction industry lies in the
successful attraction and development of the next generation, and programmes
like Open Doors are a vital gateway to achieving that.”
Suzannah Nichol MBE, Chief
Executive of Build UK, said: “People often look at the construction sector and think it is only for
a certain type of person, but it’s for everybody, and Open Doors is a fantastic
way to see that. There is nothing like actually going on site and watching the
industry in action.
"Build UK is delighted to deliver Open
Doors, in line with CLC’s Industry Skills Plan, and play our part in helping to
recruit the next generation into our amazing industry.”
Louisa Finlay, Chief People Officer
of Kier, said: “You
never forget the first time you step foot on a construction site and put that
hard hat on. When I started my career as a trainee engineer, I never imagined
that I’d be where I am today, responsible for the people and skills in Kier’s
business for now and in the future. Construction really is not just open for
business, and a key sector to support economic growth, but also open to
everyone. I’m determined to showcase to the next generation of talent what an
exciting and varied career you can have. The CLC encourages the industry
to offer taster opportunities and that is exactly what Kier is doing during
this exciting week.
“Partnering with Open Doors Week is a
fantastic way for us to break down barriers and lift the bonnet on the talent,
skill and opportunity we have and the many ways to join the industry.”
