Construction job seekers need to stand out from the crowd, says CIOB

Thursday, 4 February 2010 12:00 AM

Official figures revealed by the Government have shown that more than 210,000 people are seeking work in the construction industry.

The figures revealed in Parliamentary answers and the Government's own Jobcentre Plus website, show that 210,260 people on Jobseeker's Allowance are looking for construction jobs, while the Government's website lists just 302 jobs for the whole country.

Bridget Boreham from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) said, "The Government has stated that official figures, which go beyond the Jobcentre Plus website, put vacancies closer to the 7,000 mark but that still shows how competitive the race for construction jobs has become.

"We have seen an increase in the last twelve months of 8% in our own membership as Professional Qualifications increasingly become a 'must have' to stand out from the crowd. We have also seen a significant increase in female applications, and in our experience these trends will continue as the industry recovers.

"The key for construction and the Government is to keep hold of our unemployed workers, and those coming into the industry, during the recession. If we don't we will face the same skills shortages we had from the last recession and that will hinder the industry's ability to respond to the upturn of the economy."

For every £1 spent on construction the UK economy benefits by a total of £2.84, and 92% of that is spent in the UK.

Independent economic impact analysis* commissioned by eight other (non CIOB) UK leading professional bodies has revealed that individuals with professional qualifications stand to gain £152,000 in additional earnings, over the course of their career. They also have a 9 per cent increase in the probability of being employed because of the transferable skills on offer.

* http://www.managers.org.uk/listing_media_1.aspx?id=10:347&id=10:138&id=10:11&doc=10:6834

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.

Our 7 Guiding Principles

· Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
· Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
· Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
· Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.
· Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.
· Being socially responsible and working responsibly.
· Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.

We have over 45,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: 01344 630 766 or e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk.

Tags: