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Barriers to Skills Development in a Local Construction Labour Market

Author

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  • Judith Watson

    (University of Brighton, UK)

  • Graham Sharp

    (University of Brighton, UK)

Abstract

The literature on the construction industry suggests that the structure of labour markets in that industry sets up barriers to skills development. It is often suggested that ‘employer engagement’, leading to increased ‘buy-in’ into skills development, and investment by employers is the way to overcome these barriers. We present an example from a local labour market in South East England, with reference to an intervention in training (‘Constructing Futures’) that has brought private and public sector actors together. This example shows that employer engagement on its own is not sufficient to overcome the barriers created by the labour market structure. We suggest some essential measures to allow more workers to enter the industry and gain skills and reduce the skill shortages endemic to the industry in South East England.

Suggested Citation

  • Judith Watson & Graham Sharp, 2007. "Barriers to Skills Development in a Local Construction Labour Market," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 22(2), pages 123-137, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:22:y:2007:i:2:p:123-137
    DOI: 10.1080/02690940701394205
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Howard Gospel & Jim Foreman, 2006. "Inter‐Firm Training Co‐ordination in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 44(2), pages 191-214, June.
    2. Graham Winch, 1998. "The growth of self-employment in British construction," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(5), pages 531-542.
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