Hercules, an infrastructure and construction services group, has launched its landmark Whitepaper, The Skills Gulf, in the Houses of Parliament, bringing together industry insight and practical recommendations to help address one of the biggest challenges facing the UK construction and infrastructure sectors.
The Whitepaper was unveiled by Skills Minister Jacqui Smith and highlights the growing skills gulf facing the industry, alongside the significant opportunity to strengthen the UK's workforce to support the delivery of major infrastructure projects and the Government's long-term growth ambitions.
The report sets out a series of practical recommendations aimed at addressing the sector's estimated requirement for an additional 250,000 workers, while encouraging greater collaboration between industry, government and education providers.
The Whitepaper also promotes innovative approaches to skills development, workforce planning and the adoption of technology to improve productivity, attract the next generation of talent and help ensure the UK has the workforce needed to deliver its ambitious infrastructure pipeline.
Brusk Korkmaz, CEO of Hercules, said: "The UK has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform its infrastructure, drive economic growth and improve productivity. To realise this opportunity, we must ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to deliver these projects successfully.
"The Skills Gulf highlights one of the most significant challenges facing our industry today, but it also demonstrates that practical solutions exist. Through stronger collaboration between government, industry and education providers, increased investment in skills and training, and the intelligent use of technology, we can build a larger, more productive workforce for the future.
"This Whitepaper not only outlines the scale of the challenge but also presents a roadmap for action. By addressing the skills gulf now, we can help unlock economic growth, create rewarding careers, strengthen our infrastructure sector and ensure the successful delivery of the projects that will shape the UK's future for decades to come."
Jodie Gosling MP for Nuneaton said: "I welcome the report created by Hercules. They have made an incredible contribution to upskilling residents in Nuneaton through the Hercules Academy. We must now work across sectors to ensure people have access to the skills they need for their future."
