Building the UK - Construction Workforce Planning post-Brexit

We were engaged by the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) to conduct a comprehensive research project on how the UK could encourage and increased supply of workers to the housebuilding sector, cognisant of a likely decrease once Brexit was complete. The project aimed to assess current industry challenges, skills needs and explore new approaches to expanding the workforce, including case studies on models already underway.

Throughout the project, we demonstrated strong analytical skills by assessing the alignment between current housebuilding workforce trends and emerging opportunities such as attracting non-traditional workers to the sector, and engaging with younger audiences such as primary students.

We employed a multi-phase approach to execute this project. Initially, they conducted an extensive desktop literature review of current publications, industry reports, and academic studies related to the construction workforce. This was followed by initial stakeholder engagements with key industry leaders and CIFE directors to develop a detailed engagement plan.

Subsequently, Conceicao Consulting organised and conducted in-depth stakeholder consultations, workshops and site visits with housebuilders, supply chain, private training providers, colleges, and industry leaders across England to understand current practices, capacity for innovation, and future plans. Evidence sessions were conducted in the House of Lords with industry leaders to collect a deeper understanding of sector demands.

Our strategic insight was evident in their development of an evidence base to inform future policy and industry directions, as well as identifying opportunities for increased collaboration between housebuilders, the training sector, and government.

By successfully delivering this project, Conceicao Consulting showcased its ability to handle complex research initiatives requiring a deep understanding of the construction sector, workforce attraction, retention and diversity programs.