What Does 2022 Hold for the Construction Industry?

As we come to the end of yet another challenging year, it is clear to see that the construction industry has once again shown its resilience. The New Year brings with it many exciting opportunities for those within the construction industry (as well as those looking to join the industry). Below we take a look at what 2022 has in store for us…

Further rebounding following COVID lockdowns

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing national lockdowns hit businesses around the world very hard.

In spite of that, the UK’s construction industry rebounded particularly well after the initial lockdown in March 2020, although significant issues remain in terms of a lack of labour and materials supply. As an educational establishment, SIMIAN was forced to close its doors for training in the early part of 2021, and has spent much of this year working through the consequential backlog of learners. They say you learn most about yourself when facing adversity, and as with the construction industry as a whole, SIMIAN has demonstrated a level of resilience that is the envy of many other industry sectors.

Sustainable construction

This year’s COP26 Climate Conference placed huge emphasis on sustainability and got the world thinking about what can change to take a more immediate approach in tackling climate change. For the construction industry, this has emphasised the need for a sharper focus on ‘green’ and sustainable construction. Next year construction businesses should expect to see increased opportunities for green construction initiatives, such as the Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, which encourages homeowners to switch to low carbon heating systems, including improved insulation,  and ground and air source heat pumps, and energy storage, etc. Watch this space for news of our initiatives at the London Academy of Sustainable Construction in Waltham Forest.

Reducing skills gap

With more green skills required and a skills shortage already plaguing the construction industry, this poses a huge challenge for new and existing construction industry workers to bring their skills up to par with industry needs. As a result of this, we at SIMIAN not only expect construction workers to seek further training to further their career, but we predict an influx of people opting for a career change to construction and the opportunities it presents – particular as skills are in demand and wages are rising.

SIMIAN has spent 2021 carefully expanding our training courses to ensure they meet the skills needed for forthcoming projects. Our Green Skills Hub at our LASC centre, for example, will ensure that learners are equipped with the knowledge and techniques necessary to support these sustainable construction projects.

If you would like to learn more about our construction training courses, get in touch with the SIMIAN team today!