Confidence is returning once again to the construction sector and creating a boom which is bringing a golden period to workers. Salaries are rising and there are an increasing number of vacancies across the sector. However, in turn this does bring with it more movement in the sector.
Managing Partner of Bournemouth based Quantum Recruitment, Jacqueline Entwistle, has talked about how the recent boom in the construction industry has led to her needing to recruit a new Trainee Construction Account Manager to cope with the extra work load.
Jacqueline explained, “I am recruiting a new trainee to support the Construction Team. There were first signs of growth in the sector from midway through last year but it has been particularly significant since January 2014. I have clients in Bournemouth who are looking to increase their work force by between 30 – 50 % to work on new projects.”
Jacqueline continued, “The growth is particularly good news for graduates who are now finding that there are plenty of jobs to apply for. I have also noticed a pattern of workers moving back to the UK. I recently placed a Site Manager in a role. He left the UK during the recession to work in Australia as he was struggling to find work here but has decided to return as he could see the significant growth and opportunities.”
“There is a downside to a property boom in that it is becoming harder to find workers with the right skills set. A lot of workers left the sector during the recession and this has left a skills gap. As a recruitment company we are benefitting from this as Construction Companies are finding that they cannot recruit the workers that they need just by advertising their vacancies and they are coming to us for our expertise, knowledge and large network of construction professionals. We work creatively on their behalf to find them the right staff for their company and their vacancies. As well as the traditional methods of recruitment we also use recommendations, social media, networking and we think outside the box to recruit from further afield. We recently recruited a Project Surveyor for Bournemouth based Greendale Construction from Wales. He was delighted to relocate to Bournemouth!”
Jacqueline went on to explain how salaries are being pushed up for trade workers within the construction sector. “It’s important that we research and keep abreast of rates across the sector so that we can advise our clients to make sure that they are competitive. This in turn helps to achieve stability within their work force. “
