Billy Jones, Millcroft’s Managing Director, discusses the recruitment challenges that Millcroft and the industry as a whole are currently experiencing.
At Millcroft, we’re facing a pressing issue that I’m sure many in the scaffolding industry are also dealing with – a shortage of young people entering the sector.
We touched on this in our end of year roundup, where my fellow Director, Sam, and I both expressed our concerns with the quality of young talent entering the workforce. While scaffolding can be rewarding, it seems we are struggling to recruit and retain young talent.
A recent survey by YouGov stated that 75% of students would not consider a career in construction, let alone scaffolding. Why is this generation shunning our industry? What perceptions need challenging to attract young people into a career in construction?
The post-pandemic mindset
Many young people now expect flexible and hybrid working patterns. However, the very nature of our work means that this is virtually impossible. Scaffolding requires on-site, in-person work, so we need to promote the benefits of the work itself rather than flexible hours or hybrid working. Scaffolding is about teamwork and ‘learning on the job.’ It enables mentoring and development opportunities that are sorely missed by the young recruits who work partially or entirely from home.
The ethical challenge
If I’m being honest, we’re also noticing a decline in young people’s work ethic. Respect, commitment and a willingness to learn are fundamental in scaffolding. It involves manual labour and routine tasks – you must be prepared to work hard in all weather. But the work is rewarding and offers stability, variety and pride in what you do. Scaffolding can be a career for life. We have so many great examples of people at Millcroft who have honed their skills, worked hard without complaining and forged a long and successful career.
Unrealistic expectations
Some starters seem to expect rapid promotion and pay rises without earning them through commitment and loyalty. At Millcroft, we reward dedication but also ask for it in return. Everyone has to start somewhere, and sometimes that means at the bottom, doing mundane tasks. Many of our managers began on the tools, and patiently developed their skills without feeling entitled to better pay or greater responsibility. There are no shortcuts in scaffolding, progression takes time.
We need to be clear about our business values while remaining attractive to millennials. Opportunities are available, but they must be matched by a strong work ethic and commitment to learning.
Opportunities for all
We actively welcome diversity at Millcroft. Scaffolding offers opportunities for all, whether it is on the tools, in management or support functions like finance. On site, our team members are from diverse backgrounds working together at all levels. This is welcome proof that there are opportunities for everyone in construction.
Educating the workforce of the future
To attract new talent, we must proactively engage with schools and colleges to showcase construction’s variety of roles. Scaffolding isn’t just manual work on site, there are opportunities in accounts, HR, administration and more. Scaffolding embraces new technology so roles in AI, 3D imaging and 4D video are also widely available.
By encouraging apprenticeships and training, we can invest in the next generation. If we promote the sector positively, we can fill the skills gap and bring fresh talent into the industry.
Collaborating to change minds
By discussing issues openly and honestly, I hope to start a constructive debate on how we can attract young talent. I know Millcroft is not alone in facing these recruitment challenges. With a collaborative effort across the industry, we can dismiss misconceptions and present scaffolding as the dynamic, rewarding career it is.
The work can be tough, but it is immensely satisfying. If we communicate this realistically to the younger generation, I’m convinced we can change attitudes and build the construction and scaffolding workforce of the future.
