Skill Shortages in the Construction Sector

This article examines the nature of skill shortages in the UK construction sector in 1988. It sets out the current survey evidence on the extent of skill shortage, with details on selected individual crafts and a breakdown by main geographic region. The most significant shortages are identified for the South‐Eastern region. The article analyses the current patterns of demand for construction skills and assesses how these have been changing over recent years. Attention is paid to both the regional demand for output and to the mix of construction products and services. Some implications are drawn for the demand for particular skills. The supply of skills as represented by the number of trainees entering the industry is also examined and observations are made on the quality of training received. Finally, a brief assessment is made of the future prospects for solving the skill shortage problem in construction over the longer term.