Listed below are the growth trends in the Construction sector since 2018.
Essex has witnessed the most significant growth in specific roles:
These figures provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the Construction sector in different areas.
Here are the key findings of the construction sector vacancies over the past twelve months (from February 2023 to February 2024).
There has been a total of 19,452 vacancies in the construction sector during this period. These vacancies were posted by 2,664 different employers.
The highest number of vacancies (over 3,000) were for quantity surveyor positions.
There is significant demand for elementary construction occupations, with over 2,000 vacancies.
Similarly, construction supervisors also have a substantial demand, with over 2,000 vacancies.
This data provides valuable insights into the current state of the construction job market, highlighting the roles that are in high demand.
The top ten vacancies in this region exhibit a consistent pattern, comprising similar types of job openings. There is substantial provision for qualifications within this area. However, a deeper exploration is necessary to understand the skills gaps that candidates face and how we can provide effective support.
Discrepancies Between Advertised Skills and Applicant CVs:
When examining job postings, we observe that the skills listed as requirements do not always align with the skills highlighted in applicants’ CVs. Notably, certain skills—such as “communication” and being “detail-oriented”—are frequently mentioned in job advertisements but are not consistently reflected in CVs submitted by candidates.
Soft Skills and Technical Skills:
These finding echo feedback received in the broader Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). Employers express concern about a lack of soft skills among the workforce. While technical skills receive significant emphasis, softer skills—such as effective communication and attention to detail—may be overlooked.
It is imperative that we consider implementing provision to incorporate these essential soft skills into training programs offering them to existing employees. Ensuring a well-rounded skill set will contribute to further career development.
In summary, addressing the skills gap and emphasizing both technical and soft skills can enhance the overall workforce readiness and productivity.
Analysing Specialist Skills and Their Demand in CVs
In examining specialist skills, we observe a discrepancy between demand and representation in CVs. Specifically, forklift truck operation emerges as a skill in high demand, yet it remains absent from many candidates’ CV’s.
Several potential explanations warrant consideration:
Provision Gap:
Linguistic Shifts:
In summary, addressing the gap between demand and representative skills requires both educational adjustments and awareness of industry terminology.
Candidates should consider updating the language used on their CV’s to align with current industry practices.
Across the East of England, a consistent set of skills, including those relevant to Essex, is apparent. To address the skills deficit, strategic provision must be established. These initiatives aim to empower the workforce with essential competencies, aligning them effectively with employers’ needs.
Vacancies
When analysing the employment opportunities in Essex over the past year, it becomes evident that certain regions exhibit a notably higher number of job openings. Notably, there appears to be a correlation between the surge in housing developments around Chelmsford, Basildon, Braintree, and Colchester, and the implementation of major infrastructure projects, including the lower Thames crossing and the A12 widening12. These observations highlight the interplay between urban expansion and employment prospects in the region.
When analysing average advertised salaries in Essex relative to neighbouring regions and the national context, we observe that Essex ranks slightly above the national wage level but falls below Kent, Suffolk, and other neighbouring areas. Specifically, the advertised salary for roles in the construction sector aligns closely with the average UK salary, which stands at £31,800.
