ICE works with government to identify future skills needs
A long-term pipeline of work was published in November 2011 alongside the National Infrastructure Plan 2011. Since then ICE has been working with other industry bodies to develop a pilot for how this information could be best used to forecast the long-term skills and capacity required to deliver the work.
The pilot run focussed on tunnelling which is a major component of many of the projects in the pipeline such as High Speed 2, Crossrail, the Northern Line Extension, National Grid cable tunnels and the Thames Tideway Tunnel.
The outcomes from this work were announced last month by Cabinet ministers Francis Maude and Vince Cable. The analysis of the data found that seven of the 40 priority projects require significant tunnelling, meaning by 2015/16 there will be around 4000 jobs in direct tunnelling and underground construction, with the available work equating to 14,500 man years over the next five years.
In response to this need, Government confirmed they will explore new training and apprenticeship measures and how together with industry they can continue to support sponsorship of higher level degree courses as well as build on the UK’s world leading research in new technology for tunnelling and underground construction to deliver new opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
Francis Maude said: “Publishing data on what we plan to buy – whether it’s tunnels or computers – means we can identify skills gaps sooner and give industry a heads up so UK businesses are in a better position to compete.
“Tunnelling is just one industry whose needs are set to change over the next few years due to public and private sector demands. We want the whole public sector to follow our lead and publish data on their future needs. We all have an interest in supporting the ability of British companies to compete effectively for business paid for by the British taxpayer and in making Britain a more attractive place to invest.”
Director General of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Nick Baveystock said: “The projected pipeline of future work in the national infrastructure plan has given industry a platform on which to assess future needs, particularly potential skills gaps and priorities for developing engineering innovations.
"Getting a better idea of the risks and opportunities we are likely to encounter in areas that cut across various projects - like tunneling - is an extremely valuable use of this information, driving better efficiency and ultimately better value for money for the public. This is crucial to ensure we remain globally competitive in future and can deliver on vital energy, transport and water projects successfully.”
The tunnelling and construction strategic capability plan can be found at www.bis.gov.uk/procurementandgrowth.