A Future Construction Workforce Skills and Innovation Roadmap for Wales

A Future Construction Workforce Skills and Innovation Roadmap for Wales 2020-2030

cwic.wales Construction Wales Innovation Centre | Future Proofing Construction Skills

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Contents Foreword

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Introduction

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Purpose & Aims

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Construction Wales Innovation Centre

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Future Workforce

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Skills Development 10 Innovation 12 Conclusion and the Way Forward

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References 16

Foreword As the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) reaches a significant milestone in its development- the opening of its purpose built hub in the Swansea Innovation Quarter it is timely to simultaneously launch this Construction Skills & Innovation Roadmap for Wales. The strategic partnership between the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) commenced in 2016 and has surpassed all expectations in the delivery of its aims to engage employers and deliver innovative training solutions for the construction sector.

The roadmap has been produced to highlight the need for an integrated strategy for workforce development over the next decade for one of the most economically important employment sectors in Wales. A sector, currently employing approximately 7% of the Welsh workforce and has the potential to provide a large volume of well paid, highly skilled roles. The sector is however facing unprecedented levels of growth, universal skills shortages and the rapid adoption of new and emerging technologies. Together, these factors demand a radical alternative to traditional delivery methodologies.

CWIC, having the benefit of a proven pan-Wales Hub and Spoke delivery model is ideally placed to oversee the delivery of this strategy in conjunction with the CITB and UWTSD. UWTSD is leading the field in the development of a post compulsory education and training system for Wales, having the constituent elements of further education, higher education, research and all-age work based learning, including apprenticeships.

Its broad ranging portfolio develops progression into and within employment, with comprehensive in-work provision across all levels and all employment sectors offering lifelong learning opportunities for

individuals and companies to upgrade their vocational and professional skills. In relation to construction, the strong expertise of the UWTSD college partners coupled with the first new undergraduate Architecture course in Wales for 70 years, allied to its wide higher education offer in the Built Environment, Engineering and Design, means that the partnership between CWIC, the CITB and UWTSD will deliver a construction centre of excellence and innovation at all levels for Wales.

The planned growth in construction activity in Wales is already identified as greater than any other region in the UK, without incorporating the impact of two emerging City Deals. The ambitious growth deals for Swansea and Cardiff identify additional significant construction related activity at their core.

A similar impact is anticipated with the proposed development of a North Wales growth deal. Employment in the construction sector in Wales is also being impacted upon by major infrastructure developments in England and witnesses an increase in the haemorrhaging of skills across the border. Future developments such as HS2, Crossrail, Heathrow and Nuclear facilities will further increase demands for skills and a radical workforce development programme in Wales.

The recently published CITB skills report identifies significant skills demand in each of the three Regional Learning and Skills Partnership areas.

The total Welsh labour demand is identified as 109,000 individuals in 2018, rising to 118,450 by 2022. In respect of skilled trades, demand exists for Woodtrades (13,200), Plumbing & Heating (8,140) and Bricklayers (6,470) whilst for professional roles greatest demand exists for Technical/IT (12,240) and construction process (7,520).

The identified skills shortages are

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further exacerbated by a number of cross sector employment issues. There is a continuing decline in the number of school leavers entering the job market, an increase in the departure of European citizens who have been employed in the UK and increasing competition from a number of other employment sectors facing similar skills shortages. The introduction of the Apprenticeship levy is identified as creating demand and investment in apprenticeships in non-traditional areas of apprenticeship training. Specifically, the construction sector in Wales also has an ageing workforce with 20% over the age of 55 and a significant volume of sme’s and micro businesses in the supply chain. These businesses are particularly vulnerable in respect of skills development and retention.

The U.K. Government’s recently announced “Construction Sector Deal” that aims to transform the construction sector’s productivity through the adoption of innovative technologies as well as developing a highly skilled workforce, the pillars of the strategy contained within this roadmap.

The UK’s Construction Deal identifies a partnership between government and the construction sector to deliver its ambition. This roadmap calls upon the government of Wales for a similar partnership with the key delivery partners of CITB, CWIC and UWTSD to innovatively deliver both workforce and technology developments for the Welsh construction sector during a decade of significant growth and technological advancement.

Barry Liles Pro-Vice Chancellor, Skills & Lifelong Learning

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Introduction “Wales is leading the UK in construction growth, with our research indicating that over 12,000 new jobs will be created in the nation over the next five years. It’s vital we have the right training in place to create the workforce of the future. CITB funding for CWIC has enabled key partners across Wales to come together and deliver the skills needed by construction firms and the Welsh economy.”

Mark Bodger Partnership Director CITB Cymru

Following a call from across the construction industry sector in Wales, The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) responded with a revolutionary and collaborative solution. The new innovative approach saw the birth of the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) in 2016 with its unique Hub & Spoke arrangement. Its uniqueness stems from its ability to be both reactive and proactive in addressing specialist skills needs where current provision is unavailable, inadequate or sub-standard.

Although CWIC is primarily focussed on the needs of the Welsh construction industry it is aligned with the World Economic Forum’s (2016) view that “...the [construction] industry has vast potential for improving productivity and efficiency, thanks to digitalization, innovative technologies and new construction techniques.”

It confirms “the rapid emergence of augmented reality, drones, 3D scanning and printing, Building Information Modelling (BIM), autonomous equipment and advanced building materials – all of them have now reached market maturity. By adopting and exploiting these innovations, companies will boost productivity, streamline their project management and procedures whilst also enhancing quality and safety. CWIC supports the need to capture all this potential requiring “a committed and concerted effort by the industry across many aspects, from technology, operations and strategy to personnel and regulation”.

In a UK perspective the CITB (2018a) highlights challenges for the construction industry including changes in migration, an aging workforce and a period of economic rebalancing accompanied by increases in workloads especially planned large scale infrastructure projects. It also points out the “...need to look towards the future and how industry can deliver projects more effectively using new methods of construction”. CWIC shares the same CITB commitment for a modern workforce needing “a modern fit-for-purpose training organisation...” CWIC will work closely with the CITB and Welsh Government in achieving this goal and it has already started working alongside its network of partners in delivering this ambition.

The Welsh Government (2017) in its Ambitious and Learning aim seeks to “to instil in everyone a passion to learn throughout their lives, inspiring them with the ambition to be the best they possibly can be.” The vision of CWIC mirrors this aim in that its purpose is to promote the development of the future workforce, life-long learning and high-level skills. CWIC supports the Welsh Government (ibid) call for “a prosperous Wales [that] needs creative, highly skilled and adaptable people, so our education from the earliest age will be the foundation for a lifetime of learning and achievement”.

CITB (2018b) says “construction output growth in Wales over the 2018 to 2022 period is projected to average 4.6% ... and that this growth rate is significantly higher than the UK’s average (1.3%). Based on the expansion in output, employment is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 2.1%, again well above the UK rate of 0.5%. Wales’s annual average recruitment requirement (ARR) is estimated at 2,450, which represents 2.2% of base 2018 employment”. It is no wonder that the three RLSPs have recognised construction as a ‘priority sector’.

CWIC outputs are fundamentally about addressing these future priorities whilst satisfying the needs of today’s industry. It does this very effectively through its formal pan-Wales delivery partners (Spokes) who are engaging with employers and VET providers in a manner and level not previously experienced.

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Purpose & aims “The UWTSD Group has a strong tradition in offering skills solutions for the construction industry at all levels. It is now particularly pleasing to be collaborating with the CITB on delivering a much wider national vision for Wales. The launch of the CITB funded CWIC is a significant initiative on this journey and will be a major catalyst for delivering the Welsh Government’s ‘Employability Plan for Wales.”

Jane Davidson Pro Vice-Chancellor University of Wales Trinity Saint David

This Roadmap is in response to the key priorities identified in the major vocational education and training (VET) reports referred to throughout this document. It draws upon and is shaped by the Welsh Government’s Employability Plan. It serves as a strategic 10 year priority plan for CWIC and is based on the above findings and recommendations as well as addressing the Economic Action Plan for construction (Welsh Government, 2018). Under this ambitious plan CWIC and its network of partners will maintain and expand its offer to further address VET shortcomings across every region of Wales. CWIC especially supports the Welsh Government (2018) agenda in “promoting inclusivity” and is committed to delivering programmes that ensure diversity, inclusivity and equality. Furthermore, CWIC aligns with the Government’s “goal of eliminating the gap in unemployment and economic inactivity rates between Wales and the UK average within 10 years.”

CITB and its stakeholders see the CWIC model as an effective way of addressing these employability and vocational education and training (VET) needs for the construction industry and are committed to supporting the continuation of this approach. In order to fully meet the outcomes of this Roadmap CWIC seeks additional support from the Welsh Government through a co-investment model.

Building on their current success, CWIC and its partners identify three key themes (industry priorities) that define this Roadmap and raise standards of a growing and innovative sector.

• Future workforce • Skills development • Innovation CWIC is ready to support the skills needs for the significant pipeline of proposed infrastructure projects such as the Wylfa Newydd, the Newport M4 relief road, the south Wales Metro, Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, Swansea Bay City Deal, North Wales Growth Deal as well as a committed Logistics Hub for Heathrow.

Support is also scheduled for future developments in hospitals, schools, universities and the numerous home building programmes throughout Wales.

All of these entail the use of new and emerging technologies including off-site manufacturing techniques that require new higher-level skills. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC, 2018) reinforce this claiming adopting digital and manufacturing technologies will help to promote change and develop a skilled workforce with new capabilities. CWIC recognises this and its preventative role in the skills gap and the urgent need for these new skills if the construction industry in Wales is to compete for these planned works.

New and emerging skills needs are not always apparent to construction employers with most priorities directed towards providing current skills needs. A primary objective of CWIC is to work with CITB and others in identifying and addressing such skills gaps. Like the Construction Sector Deal (HM Government, 2018) in England CWIC proposes a partnership between industry and Welsh Government (but including all education sectors) that aims to transform the sector’s skills base. It will do this through attracting the more able and talented, by developing high-level future skills training as well as through the wide adoption of new and innovative technologies.

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Construction Wales Innovation Centre “CWIC offers for all our business and our people, key benefits of addressing bespoke needs quickly, effectively and with no nonsense. It is one of the unique offerings in the training world that really addresses employee needs”

CWIC is a unique CITB funded all-Wales skills facility with its hub forming part of the new University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) campus in the Swansea Innovation Quarter. The Hub and Spokes (currently Coleg Cymoedd, Coleg Cambria, Coleg Ceredigion, Coleg Sir Gar and the Building Research Establishment) deliver bespoke/specialist skills programmes and engagement events across all sectors and levels of the Welsh construction industry and its supply chain. This follows strong industry demands for localised VET provision and seeks to reduce duplication of provision in Wales as well as supporting the investment in Wales’s agenda of a strong economy through meeting current and future skills needs.

Richard Heaton Managing Director Read Construction

Since its launch in September 2016 CWIC has demonstrated it can deliver the project outcomes responsively and flexibly to meet the needs of the Welsh construction industry. Not only is CWIC exceeding its planned targets, it is significantly contributing to new levels of collaborative working between the education sector (schools, FE, HE and private providers) and the construction industry. CWIC outcomes are assisting companies to grow and prosper through skills development which contribute to improved productivity and competiveness within the Welsh and wider global markets. In addition to the skills agenda CWIC is actively engaged in supporting the use of locally sourced sustainable materials and manufactured components. For example, CWIC is currently working with a Welsh organisation in the supply and use of native timber products. The Forest to Site initiative is a practical demonstration of its commitment to environmental promotion.

“The Skills on Site initiative by CWIC is an excellent way of bridging the gap between classroom-based theory and real site experiences.

Students hearing from industry practicerers on how they solve all sorts of technical problems in the design and construction phases of a non-traditional building is extremerly valuable particulary to full-time students.”

Daryl Thomas Curriculum Head Coleg Sir Gâr 6

Whilst the CWIC Hub has a physical presence and central administrative base in the new UWTSD Swansea Campus its strength lies with its relationship with the geographically dispersed Spokes. In collaboration with their regional employers, each Spoke is tasked with identifying and responding to regional skills needs.

Working closely with their local VET providers and collectively with the CWIC network, the Spokes are able to deliver the right skills at the right time and at the right place.

The Spokes are actively working together and sharing best practices in a new and mutually beneficial way for all stakeholders. There is also clear evidence of greater public and private training sector collaboration facilitating quicker and more employer-focused skills solutions.

CWIC is becoming recognised for being focussed on taking a leading role in promoting the modernisation and innovation agenda across Wales in a reluctant and slow-to-change industry sector as identified by Farmer (2016). Delivering skills on new technologies and processes is further supplemented by the way skills are delivered. Again, the needs of employers are met through CWIC’s forward-looking skills delivery strategy ensuring minimal productivity losses whilst maximising cost effectiveness.

The Employer-education engagement theme is further promoted by CWIC’s Skills on Site initiative encouraging contractors to open up construction sites as ‘live learning centres’ supporting the work-readiness of full-time construction learners. This latter issue is also being addressed through another CITB funded collaborative project. CWIC is facilitating the delivery of this Experiential Learning project with its aim of providing safe and localised practical learning to enhance full-time education in support of developing work-readiness.

Working in partnership is a core value of CWIC and its active involvement in a number of linked CITB funded projects further complements the engagement agenda between the wider education sector and the construction industry.

“In response to the significant shortage of Construction Managers and Quantity Surveyors in Wales the CIOB is working in collaboration with CITB, CWIC, UWTSD and employers in the development of a new CIOB Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.�

Following the successful development of the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Site Management for Wales, two new Level 5 higher apprenticeships have recently been developed. The Level 4 provides a much needed progression route for completing Level 3 tradespeople and is now offered in a number of further education colleges in Wales. The Level 5 Higher Apprenticeships in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying were developed in direct response to industry short-falls in these areas and to attract more able and talented school leavers into the higher technical & professional roles. The accomplishment of these apprenticeship programmes is a direct result of a strong collaboration ethos between CWIC, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) employers, CITB and the UWTSD Group. The structure, content and recruitment of the higher apprenticeships is driven by employers and their representatives with CWIC providing added value through its supporting activities. Employers are now calling for related degree apprenticeships and have already provided the steer for their development.

Gareth John Chair, CIOB in Wales Chartered Institute of Building

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Future workforce The issues “Employers were keen to stress that there are a In addressing the priorities for the future workforce, CWIC agrees with Qualification (2018) in that there is a “particular challenge for the qualification system in wide range of job roles in Wales the CBE sector in that there are significant differences between larger companies construction which need and smaller/micro companies”. Larger companies tend to have a narrower definition of job roles and functions whereas employees in smaller companies are higher-ability learners.” more likely to take on a wider range of tasks. “As a result, the awarding bodies, Qualification Wales

"The Faculty of Architecture, Computing & Engineering (FACE) is proud to host the CWIC at our new SA1 waterfront campus. We value our partnership with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and believe this collaboration is key to providing innovative solutions to the construction industry’s skills needs.

CWIC and the School of Architecture, Built and Natural Environment within FACE have worked together on a number of industry relevant projects enhancing the skills of our graduates as well as industry.

Working alongside its partners CWIC aims to bring the latest innovations to Welsh construction industry driving construction excellence in Wales."

Prof. Michael Fernando Dean of Faculty University of Wales Trinity Saint David

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learning providers and owners of the national occupational standards face the challenge of finding the right balance of skills ...”

The same report concludes that construction “suffered from being perceived as unattractive for new entrants” ... and that the sector has an unwarranted poor image among young people. Employers felt that the industry is being ‘stereotyped as boring’ and for ‘low achievers’. “...there appears to be limited recognition of the wide range of skills that are needed in the sector such as digital skills and the ability to solve problems creatively.”

In their construction SWOT analysis Learning, Skills and Innovation Partnership (LSKIP, 2017) identified several shortcomings in future workforce advice including narrow perception of career opportunities in construction. These shortcomings were also highlighted by employers in the RLSP (2017) report. On the same theme Qualifications Wales (2018) found concerns were being widely expressed that “careers in the sector tend to be promoted, in schools, only to lower-ability learners. This was also emphasised in the LSKIP (2017) report who found “...half of teachers did not discuss or provide any information to young people about construction with the outcome that more than 50% thought it was mainly manual labour and less than 20% considered it a good option. Nearly half of young people were told by teachers that studying for a university degree would be better for their career in the long term than undertaking an apprenticeship.” In their action plan CLC (2018) call for the coordination of the diverse construction industry to send out “clear messages on careers” as well as providing more meaningful work experiences. It insists industry must work together to increase the volume and quality of the work experience opportunities.

However, employers were keen to stress that there are a wide range of job roles in construction which need higher-ability learners. “Despite a range of initiatives in recent years, such as Go Construct, relatively few higher-ability learners are pursuing opportunities to enter the sector either through apprenticeships or via higher education.” (Qualification Wales, 2018).

Qualification Wales (ibid) said that a number of schools in Wales stressed the importance of construction employers engaging with the courses to ensure that they are relevant and the value of site visits for learners was emphasised.

Several employers also stressed “...the importance of getting learners engaged with the concepts of careers in construction from age 14 upwards”. It is claimed that while “some [employers] had worked well with schools others felt they were not particularly welcome or [typically] only lower-ability learners were steered in their direction”. The impact of the Welsh Baccalaureate is mutually beneficial to the young people as well as to industry. The partnership between business and education actively equips young people with the confidence, transferable skills and knowledge required to build a robust talent pool of innovative individuals.

“The key driver in addressing the future workforce challenges is through extensive collaboration between industry and the wider education sector which is at the heart of what CWIC is striving to do.”

The solutions

Construction Wales Innovation Centre

3. CWIC will facilitate industry working together to increase the volume and quality of work experience opportunities for the schools sector.

The key driver in addressing the future workforce challenges is through extensive collaboration between industry and the wider education sector which is at the heart of what CWIC is striving to do. More specifically, CWIC recommends the following solutions and outline how these may be achieved: 1. CWIC will encourage and support industry to engage with the schools sector through supporting the contextualisation of learning materials and delivery of the STEAM subjects.

2. CWIC seeks to expand and embed the current best practice models for sustainable employer-education collaboration. This will be achieved by building upon the successful CITB Go Construct platform and the current Commissioned bids such as the industry-led Contextualised Curriculum and the Employer-Education Engagement projects.

4. CWIC embraces the Welsh Baccalaureate agenda in schools and will support the enterprise and employability element by linking schools/colleges and employers together in new collaborative ways for addressing the delivery outcomes.

5. By introducing immersive learning technologies, CWIC will deliver the above solutions in a new and engaging format that appeals to the 21st Century learner. It will also widen the use of such technologies for promoting the construction industry to the future workforce including career changers.

CWIC will promote these technologies through the wider education & training sector and trial the tools for industry suitability and adoption.

6. CWIC will expand its support for meeting regional skills needs by engaging with the Regional Learning Partnerships and pan-Wales VET provider networks.

7. CWIC will encourage cooperation between its expanded networks and providers of careers advice.

8. By working with the schools sector CWIC will promote vocational excellence by the expansion of skills competitions and problem solving activities.

CWIC is already engaging in or project managing programmes that are delivering many elements of the above solution. This is enhanced by the UWTSD Group’s extensive links with the schools sector and its developments in immersive learning. However, to expand and embed these programmes CWIC require longer-term financial support and employer engagement to ensure sustainability.

CWIC would provide the drive, coordination and support mechanisms for the above outcomes. It will do this by working specifically with those who influence or provide future workforce advice, opportunities and support. To achieve this and the successful delivery of the solutions CWIC would also require the financial support of Welsh Government, employers and the CITB through a co-investment model.

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Skills Development “Just completed the 20 The issues day construction boot In their Regional Labour Market Intelligence Report (SkillsGateway 2017) employers (all sectors) said “that practical skills was lacking among applicants camp... I was one of (all Wales) especially specialist skills or knowledge (69%) and solving complex problems (44%). This latter point was also identified in the Qualifications Wales the youngest on the (2018) review stating “employers also stressed that increasingly, new employees course and thoroughly had poor problem solving skills. This review also reported that learning providers with employers that there was a need to develop learners’ work readiness.” enjoyed the experience. agreed Unite (2018), claim there are significant numbers of young people on “so-called Learned about drainage, dead-end construction courses” although these comments are often misleading as the underlining figures include young people on ‘all-sector employment entry’ kerbing and also laying programmes. The Union is calling for a rethink on resources to ensure money is directed towards ‘genuine apprenticeships’. The RLSP (2017) plan slabs and block paving. invested says there needs to be an improvement in the employer engagement in the development of apprenticeship frameworks, including for higher and I gained my CPCS degree programmes. dumper and roller number of learning providers stated that “the segregation of core trades is tickets. The skills I learnt Achanging and that employers needed workers with a core trade combined with were really helpful for the ancillary skills to address local and regional needs.” Qualifications Wales (2018) also found “employers across the sector expressed the view that multi-skilled construction industry ... operatives are desirable. Nevertheless, the review found “not having staff with skills readily-available slows down the industry and undermines productivity.

I’m pleased to say that I new Moreover, CLC (2018) argues that the industry has a unique opportunity to become more productive by developing a skilled workforce with new capabilities. start work on 16th with To redress this, the companies often provide for upskilling through manufacturers’ Persimmon Homes.” training. However, some participants [in the review] suggested that this upskilling Rhys Thomas Learner Coleg Cymoedd

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Coleg Cambria to offering training courses specifically in scaffolding, working at height and PASMA through the CWIC scheme” Simon Hughes Director Simian Risk Group

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is inconsistently available and generally more accessible to larger companies.

“When it comes to specialism the review commented that “The more specialised the trade the less likely that training is available, or that qualifications are offered.”

Progression is also seen as an area of concern for both employers and employees with Qualification Wales (ibid) reporting “across the range of qualifications, the Review found that the progression routes for learners are neither clear nor sufficient” What is more, “further education providers acknowledged that the gap between level 3 qualifications and level 4 qualifications was challenging for learners who wished to progress to higher education.”

Moreover, “where employers need experienced staff to develop more specialist skills there may be insufficient demand for training colleges to offer continuing professional development (CPD) provision or for awarding bodies to offer qualifications. Employers expressed concerns about learning providers not being responsive and learning providers expressed concerns about awarding bodies discontinuing qualifications where learner numbers are low.” “Learning providers also expressed concerns regarding the future and viability of CPD training for the industry – particularly in relation to the very limited availability of public funding for adult education (other than in apprenticeships). (Qualifications Wales, 2018).

Qualifications Wales (ibid) also stated that “Employers identified a range of skills needs that were not addressed by learning providers. In many cases, learners from Wales had to travel to provision outside of Wales including: • • • • •

dry lining; scaffolding; steel fixing; roof sheeting; and cladding.

The Review also found “particular challenges for employers in the more rural areas “I have noticed a of Wales, who found it difficult to access the range of provision which was offered in more urban areas – particularly for part-time higher-level learning, in areas such huge difference in my as surveying.” employee’s attitude and The RSLP (2017) makes a similar point and calls for additional assistance to be commitment to work provided to facilitate new provision in geographic areas where currently the required since being on the CWIC resources are not available”. funded CIOB Level 4 Site The solutions Supervision course”

Emyr Harris South West Wales employer

“CWIC will develop programmes to engage and retrain the existing workforce as well as retraining with skills to support digital technologies and modern methods of construction.”

Gerald Naylor Director Construction Wales Innovation Centre

CWIC endorses the findings of Qualifications Wales in relation to specialist skills, regional needs and work readiness. CWIC also recognises the actions proposed in the Construction Sector Deal (HM Government, 2018). CWIC will develop programmes to engage and retrain the existing workforce as well as retraining with skills to support digital technologies and modern methods of construction. The following CWIC solutions draw from these and other research-based findings: 1. CWIC will continue to deliver specialist/bespoke skills to meet current employer demands through its partnership network (Spokes). A greater emphasis will be placed on digital working and modern methods of construction.

2. CWIC will further develop its support for ensuring full-time learners are work ready through a programme of structured industrial work experience. It will expand its successfully launched Skills on Site initiative to all sectors of the industry throughout Wales.

3. Working with the Go Construct service CWIC will facilitate the matching of full-time learners to work experience opportunities with local employers.

4. In partnership with industry, CWIC will deliver innovative experiential learning programmes that will engage full-time learners in safe, realistic and simulated construction environments. This will be delivered through a mixture of immersive and role-play scenarios supported by industry champions.

5. CWIC will expand its current response to employer upskilling needs by servicing he growing demand for regional specialist/bespoke and, higher-level skills, provision. It will do this through industry federations/associations and professional bodies as well liaising with trade organisations, manufacturers and suppliers.

6. CWIC will expand its facilitating role in developing seamless progression routes at every level but especially at higher and degree apprenticeships.

7. CWIC will identify, develop and deliver specialist apprenticeships where this provision does not currently exist in Wales.

8. CWIC will work with industry and all parts of the education sector as well as other key stakeholders in promoting skills competitions as a vehicle to raising higher-level skills to meet the needs of a technological advancing sector.

The methodology for delivering the above solutions is derived from the already strong collaboration between CWIC, its expanding industry partners, trade associations, professional bodies and its extensive education/training network. CWIC proposes to build upon this collaborative approach by consulting with the Welsh Government and the CITB on how best to deliver on the key recommendations contained in the Employability Plan. When agreeing the specific solution outcomes with the stakeholders CWIC will develop and manage the deliverables including the measuring and monitoring to ensure continuing appropriateness and advancements as well as achieving best value. In order to develop and deliver these solutions CWIC seeks joint funding from the Welsh Government, the CITB and employers.

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Innovation “We as a company are very greatful to CWIC for providing this course. We have considered moving from 2D into 3D for several years but costs of training has been prohibitive. Having attended this course allows us to now grow or buisness by offering further services to our clients and produce models for BIM enabled projects”.

Gethin James Self-employed IAGO Cymru Ltd

The issues Chaldecott (2016), in a CLC report on innovation suggests improving capacity, productivity and innovation in construction are important aspirations and success will have significant benefits for the UK economy and especially for the construction and housing industry.

In its sector review Qualifications Wales (2018) highlighted the employer view that construction “is a sector that ‘has changed phenomenally over the last twenty years’ due to the technological advances and changing building methods”. The use of digital technologies, new materials, improved or new machinery and tools, and the emergent growth of off-site manufacturing have all contributed to changes in work practices on construction sites. The same review argues that technological advancement is likely to continue at a high pace at least for the foreseeable future. CITB predicts that in 10-15 years, off-site manufacturing may see further expansion of automation and use of new materials such as glass reinforced concrete, bespoke mouldings, 3D print glass moulds, and ‘smart walls’.”

However, the skills for these and other new technologies are not currently being tackled effectively. Qualification Wales (2018) found “... that qualifications have not kept up-to date with the use of new technologies, including the requirements for low-energy homes.” It goes on to say that higher education institutions (HEIs) agreed that qualifications have not kept up with [these] new technologies and work practices citing “Building Information Modelling (BIM), the use of power tools, surveying practices and site management techniques” as examples.

The Regional Learning Skills Partnership (RLSP, 2017) highlight employer concerns on the lack of high level IT and software skills across both full-time learners and the workforce. This worrying especially given the “introduction of new technologies and materials ... means that employees need to be adaptable to be able to use them on-site. IT skills including 3D modelling, BIM and CAD are becoming increasingly important and demand for these skills seems likely to increase.”

The solutions CWIC has been closely working with industry and its delivery partners in identifying those new products, materials, practices and innovations that have the capability to improve the growth, productivity or competitiveness of Welsh construction businesses.

CWIC recognises that conducting research into innovations is often time consuming and costly but is necessary to remain competitive and to sustain growth. Moreover, “Innovation can lead to job creation and new methods of construction” requiring new skills and which may directly impact on improving building performance (Chaldecott, 2016). CWIC seeks to build upon this work and to address the key challenges for the skills needed through being innovative in its collaborative solutions. It will achieve this by being both proactive and reactive to the future skills development agenda.

1. CWIC will expand its horizon scanning through engagement with its stakeholders identifying strategic priorities for the construction industry. This will include engaging with major project holders in Wales including energy schemes, City Deals and other infrastructure ventures. A key vehicle for achieving this solution is through collaborative research with Welsh universities.

2. Through its ‘Innovation Intern’ programme CWIC will continue its evaluative research into commercially viable opportunities arising from innovations currently available either within or outside of the construction industry.

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“CWIC seeks to collectively promote the take-up of innovation practices and technologies through sharing of information and ideas from across the sectors.”

3. In facilitating industry specific research and development approaches CWIC will promote solutions in partnership with CITB and others through collaborative employer-education activities.

Construction Wales Innovation Centre

6. CWIC will work with the Welsh Government and CITB in establishing ‘centres of excellence’ that best serve regional needs but also pan-Wales requirements for specialist high-level skills. Specific industry needs would include productivity, quality and performance improvements as well as use of indigenous materials, products and systems such as home-grown timber and off-site manufacturing in Wales.

4. CWIC will increase its focus on current and emerging skills for industry improvements such as digital construction, building information modelling, off-site manufacturing, thermography, energy efficient materials and equipment.

5. By growing its plans to offer skills in innovative or niche markets such as drone and laser scanning technologies, exoskeletons and robots, CWIC will be able to better serve the future skills needs of the industry. It will be a catalyst for enhancing VET responses to these changing needs through greater cooperation, flexibility and adaptability.

7. CWIC will offer a testbed for new initiatives or programmes. It will do this by providing an experimental platform for conducting testing of scientific theories, products and new technologies relating to construction. CWIC will also work closely with regional ‘centres of excellence’ and assist in identifying and promoting research into key technological challenges such as digital construction.

Eindhoven University of Technology

8. CWIC will broker a service encouraging leading industry experts from around the world to share their new and pioneering knowledge and skills with the aim of aspiring learners in Wales to reach maximum potential. UWTSD will enhance this initiative through its Professors in Practice programme and along with CWIC forge links with innovative companies such as SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre (renewable energy facility) in South Wales.

9. Working with professional bodies CWIC will offer a CPD service primary promoting innovations in construction to all sectors of the construction industry.

In order to deliver on the key objective of advancing innovation in the construction industry CWIC will work with existing likeminded organisations both nationally and internationally. For example, CWIC has visited and is currently working with a French-based immersive learning technology company that, jointly with CWIC, are addressing immersive learning needs for the VET sector in Wales. Other recent visits to a leading AR/VR college in England and a construction innovation centre in Scotland have led to new collective innovation ventures which are further examples of cooperative working, More generally, CWIC seeks to collectively promote the take-up of innovation practices and technologies through sharing of information and ideas from across the sectors. It sees the intervention and financial backing of the CITB and Welsh Government as crucial in driving this agenda forward and therefore seeks their joint support going forward. Measuring and monitoring are key elements in the development and delivery of these solutions and will ensure best value and continuous improvements and advancements.

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Conclusion and the way forward In awarding UWTSD the funding contract to establish and run a new innovative Hub & Spokes model for Wales (CWIC) the CITB had set the CWIC challenges to be met through its three key themes (industry priorities) for addressing the skills gap in construction: • Future workforce - promoting the construction industry as an attractive sector to work in.

• Skills development - training is there when employers need it, and that they are aware of what skills is available using all current and emerging methods.

• Innovation - creative and innovative responses to industry’s future challenges.

These priorities for construction have also been recognised by the Welsh Government (2018) in its Employability Plan. It acknowledges the industry investment in skills development and apprenticeships highlighting CWIC especially for its complementary work in research and innovation for construction industry in Wales. The Roadmap has drawn extensively from the three RLSP reports, the Qualifications Wales Review as well as the Welsh Government Employability Plan. The Roadmap also takes cognisance of the Construction Sector Deal (HM Government, 2018) in England and seeks to deliver comparable solutions for the construction industry in Wales. The recommendations from above and other key documents form the proposed solutions under the three themes.

This Roadmap outlines ambitious plans by CWIC to support the delivery of these priorities and in doing so promote much greater engagement between employers and all education and training sectors including schools, further/ higher institutions and private providers. CWIC seeks to work more closely with the CITB and Welsh Government as well as other key stakeholders in gaining support for the implementation of the solutions identified in this Roadmap. CWIC will expand its strategic alliances with other likeminded organisations in the UK with the primary aim of sharing information, resources and best practices. CWIC proposes the expansion of its Spokes delivery network in Wales to ensure the skills solutions are deliverable. It seeks to increase its involvement with all VET sectors by engagement and encouraging the formation of ‘centres of excellence’ each responding to their local needs but crucially, the needs of pan-Wales.

This distribution of skills delivery will enable economies of scale whilst assisting ‘expertise’ and skills specialisms to grow.

This Roadmap will engage with the future workforce supported by new and innovative engagement methods. It proposes a complementary approach to current best practice in highlighting new and changing construction job role opportunities. The Roadmap seeks to reduce skills gaps in construction especially at higher levels as well as striving to increase workforce competencies. By improving the way the entire education sector engages with employers, this Roadmap proposes new ways of collaborative working to bridge qualification gaps that enhances higher-level skills, improves productivity and promotes economic growth. Plans to advance the awareness and adoption of new technologies and innovations, including the required skills, is a key part of this Roadmap. It supports the implementation of these technologies and innovations that both improve industrial applications and enhance skills development.

CWIC seeks a multi-partnership arrangement in delivery the above vision for Wales and believes this is best achieved by a co-investment model that sees industry and Government financially supporting the delivery outcomes (themes and solutions). Each partner would bring their influence, knowledge, expertise and financial support which collectively will address the issues identified earlier in this report.

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“The CWIC Partnership is a unique forerunner of the direction of travel for the post compulsory education and training landscape in Wales.”

Barry Liles Principal Coleg Sir Gâr & Coleg Ceredigion

Welsh Government is asked to consider recognising the CWIC purpose and aims that have been shaped by WG policies such as the Employability Plan and the Prosperity for all national strategy documents. WG is also requested to consider providing match-funding for the development and delivery of the solutions.

The Construction Industry Training Board is already providing funding and logistical support for the current CWIC outcomes and is asked to consider maintaining sufficient funding levels beyond its current commitment which ends August 2019. It is also asked to lend its considerable industry influence and wider stakeholder connections in supporting CWIC’s mission to widen its reach both geographically and cross-sectoral.

Following very strong and positive responses from industry to the concept of CWIC and engagement in its delivery outcomes CWIC now seeks greater obligation from employers. Taking cognisance of the findings and recommendations of the Regional Skills Partnerships in Wales and by working even more closely with employers the latter is asked to endorse this Roadmap, assist in steering the strategic direction of CWIC and contribute financially to delivering the enhanced VET agenda for Wales.

The UWTSD Group is a dual-sector university with a strong and long history in delivering construction programmes at all academic levels including apprenticeships. In partnership with other education providers in Wales UWTSD is asked to continue and expand its support for CWIC through research collaboration, cross-discipline cooperation, wider access to UWTSD networking opportunities and development of new and responsive VET programmes. In partnership with CWIC the UWTSD Group is also requested to drive and support the development of new apprenticeships in specialist disciplines including higher and degree apprenticeships.

In addition to the CITB core funding stream CWIC has successfully applied for additional specific CITB project funding that align with the themes and solutions in this Roadmap. It will continue to source such funding for activities that advance the goals and aspirations contained in this document including non-CITB funding streams. CWIC is also devising a model for commercial income that will supplement core funding sources.

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References Chaldecott, M. (2016), Innovation Workstream: Roadmapping to improve productivity, capacity and innovation in the housing sector.

CITB (2018a), Future CITB: Vision 2020, https://www.citb.co.uk/about-us/ourvision-strategy/future-citb-vision-2020/ [accessed 9th April 2018].

CITB (2018b), CITB Industry Insights Wales.

CLC (2018), Skills Workstream: 2018 Strategy and Action Plan Farmer, M. (2016) Modernise or Die: Review of the UK Construction Labour Model HM Government (2018), Industrial Strategy: Construction Sector Deal LSKIP (2017), Cardiff Capital Region: Employment & Skills Plan Qualification Wales (2018), Building The Future.

RLSP (2017), Regional Employment & Skills Plan: South West & Mid Wales.

SkillsGateway (2017), Regional Labour Market Intelligence Report.

Unite (2018), Unite concerned with huge rise in ‘dead-end’ construction courses Welsh Government (2017), Prosperity for all: the national strategy Welsh Government (2018), Employability Plan World Economic Forum (2016), Shaping the Future of Construction.

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Industry & Education working together

CITB Commission projects delivered through the Construction Wales Innovation Centre

Contextualised Curriculum

Teachers/careers toolkit to enhance learning through targeted curriculum activities between the construction sector and Primary, Secondary & Alternative Schools.

Employer – Education Engagement

Developing sustainable engagement and partnerships between construction companies and Primary, Secondary & Alternative Schools to embed a programme of initiatives.

Higher Education – Employer Engagement

Produce a model of best practice in engagement between the construction industry and Higher Educational Institutes including creating CPD resources.

Experiential Learning

Engage students with digital technologies, construction learning & placements including establishing Minecraft clubs and developing experiential learning hubs.

Immersive Learning

Deliver innovative immersive learning solutions that will enhance the appeal of the industry, embed into learning and offer employers an insight into the opportunities and benefits of adopting IL technologies.

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Future Workforce

Skills Development

Innovation

Support contextualisation of learning by enhancing the delivery of STEAM subjects

Continue to deliver specialist/ bespoke skills to meet current employer demands through its Spokes

Expand horizon scanning capabilities that identify & define strategic priorities for the construction industry

Expand and embed current best practice models for sustainable employereducation collaboration

Develop its support for ensuring full-time learners are work ready through structured industrial work experience

Evaluate research into commercially viable opportunities arising from innovations through the ‘Innovation Intern’ scheme

Increase the volume and quality of work experience opportunities for the schools sector

Facilitate the matching of full-time learners to work experience opportunities with local employers through Go Construct

Facilitate industry research & development through collaborative employereducation activities

Support the enterprise and employability element of the Welsh Baccalaureate

Deliver collaborative & innovative experiential learning that will engage full-time learners

Increase focus on enhancing existing and developing new skills for industry improvement & sustainability

Introduce Immersive learning technologies in new & engaging ways

Service the demand for regional specialist/bespoke upskilling and higher-level skills provision

Develop future skills for innovative and niche markets that provide greater flexibility and adaptability for change

Engage with Regional Learning Partnerships and pan-Wales VET provider networks

Expand its facilitating role in Encourage the setting up of developing seamless skills centres of excellence that progression routes at every level best serve regional and pan-Wales needs

Encourage cooperation between Identify, develop and deliver CWIC networks and providers of specialist apprenticeships where careers advice this provision does not currently exist in Wales

Offer testbed facilities for new initiatives and ideas by providing experimental platforms and associated services

Promote vocational excellence by the expansion of skills competitions and problem solving activities

Encourage industry experts and leaders to share innovation and enterprise to aspiring learners and up-skillers

Work with industry, education and others in promoting skills competitions to meet the needs of advancing technologies

Broker CPD activities and links with pioneering companies that primarily promote innovation in construction

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