A TOP recruitment firm is building a new construction division to support massive growth in the sector.
Colwyn Bay and Bangor-based Supertemps unveiled the branch in 2017 amidst a surge in demand for labourers, skilled tradespeople and administrative staff.
Edward Kirkwood is the man charged with leading the team, and says their timing could not have been better.
Figures released by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) indicate 150,000 construction jobs are set to be created over the next five years.
More than 15,000 carpenters and 9,000 labourers will be needed as homebuilding ramps up, according to this year’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report, the UK’s most comprehensive and up-to-date sector forecast.
“We saw the launch of a construction division as a natural progression as Supertemps continued to grow,” said Edward, 27, from Anglesey.
“There is huge demand out there, and these latest statistics only reinforce the situation, that there is a shortfall that needs to be met.”
CSN figures show employment is projected to grow for the fourth consecutive year at 0.5% a year on average to 2022. This would take employment in the industry to 2.77 million in 2022, only 3% below the 2008 peak.
CITB Policy Director Steve Radley said:
“Our report’s message is that construction will continue to grow and create more jobs.
“Though growth is slightly down on 2017, it’s looking more balanced with housing and infrastructure both expanding significantly. And the range of job opportunities is growing. While we need to bring in lots of people in the trades, the fastest growth will be for professionals at 7.8% and for managers and supervisors at 5.6%.”
The Supertemps Construction division is well-placed to support the industry as it advances, according to Ed.
“The sector is growing and it’s only going to grow further, so it’s essential that education providers, recruiters and employers work together to train and place the next generation,” he said.
“Across North Wales and the North West we are seeing more and more housing and commercial developments being built, and they are in need of labourers and other tradespeople.
“That skills deficiency needs to be met before it becomes a crisis.”
Edward added: “It’s not just labourers that will be needed; there is a crucial shortage of plant operators, engineers, managers, quantity surveyors and administrative staff.
“These are all areas where we can help, working closely with contractors, sub-contractors and businesses of all sizes – including multi-nationals – to try and plug the gap.
“We have an incredible team here with years’ of experience on hand with help and advice, so we can guide both client and candidates through the recruitment process.
“It’s been a very positive start for us and that only looks like continuing as we all work together to lay the foundations for an even stronger building industry in the UK.”
For more information or to speak to the Construction team for advice or a consultation, call 03333 234 372 or visit www.supertemps.co.uk/construction.
