How Can Urban Regeneration Reduce Urban Deprivation?
13 Nov, 2024
Bridging the Skills Gap: Tackling the Regeneration Skills Shortage
13 Nov, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- Which skills are desired within the regeneration sector.
- Why there is a skills shortage in the regeneration sector.
- How to address a skills shortage in the regeneration sector.
- Where the latest regeneration jobs are and how to apply for them.
As the UK continues to increase its focus on sustainable development it is becoming increasingly important for skills within the regeneration sector to adapt with the changing demands of the industry.
In our latest blog, we’re exploring why there is a skills shortage within the UK’s regeneration sector and how this shortage of important skills can be addressed.
Which skills are desired within the regeneration sector?
There are a variety of technical, analytical and interpersonal skills valued by employers within the UK’s regeneration sector. With the industry encompassing a wide range of sub sectors, such as sustainable development and urban planning, there are a variety of skills required to succeed as a professional within regeneration.
To start with, a solid understanding of technical planning is important for regeneration professionals who must understand spatial planning and land use.
Another desirable skill for regeneration professionals is to be able to collect, analyse and interpret important pieces of data, in order to inform planning decisions and highlight market trends. Analytical skills are also essential for analysing local and national planning policies and interpreting regulations. Financial acumen to help with cost-benefit analysis is also a desired skill for those working in the regeneration sector.
Design skills are also important in order for regeneration professionals to stand out to employers. Knowledge within urban design principles and architectural basics can be advantageous. The ability to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be particularly useful to planning and regeneration professionals who are involved in the development and physical planning of infrastructure.
A detailed comprehension of legalities and regulations is also an important skill for planning and regeneration professionals. It is essential that the work carried out within urban regeneration meets regulations and has adhered to planning law, therefore local authorities need regeneration professionals who have a solid understanding within this area. Skills in risk management are also important in order for professionals to identify and manage risks related to health and safety standards and environmental regulations.
Why is there a skills shortage in the regeneration sector?
Within the UK’s regeneration sector there are a number of factors leading to a skills shortage. These factors include:
- An ageing workforce.
- A mismatch of skills.
- The rising demand for regeneration projects.
- An increased focus on sustainability.
- Inadequate training opportunities.
- Economic uncertainty.
An ageing workforce
With a high number of professionals working within planning and regeneration nearing retirement age, a skills shortage within the sector could partly be attributed to an ageing workforce.
As regeneration professionals reach the end of their careers it is essential that the sector is attracting a new cohort of professionals who can replace their skills and expertise. Without doing so, the regeneration sector is at risk of creating a vacuum in experience and missing out on people who possess an in-depth knowledge of areas such as complex regulations and environmental assessments.
The Office for National Statistics has previously reported that a significant proportion of professionals working within construction, engineering and planning are above the age of 55, which means that workforce shortages could become even more prevalent within the next few years unless these professionals are replaced with a pool of younger talent.
A mismatch of skills
As regeneration projects evolve and skills within areas such as sustainable development continue to become more important, it means that professionals must keep up with the changing demands of the industry. Should the skill set of professionals fall behind the demands of the sector, this might contribute to a shortage of technical and analytical abilities.
The rising demand for regeneration projects
The Levelling Up Fund is a UK government initiative designed to support local infrastructure projects that will have a significant impact within everyday life.
With a strong focus on ‘levelling up’ and investing within deprived areas across the UK, this has led to a significant demand for regeneration projects. Whilst it is a positive thing that time and money is being devoted to improving these areas for those who live and work in them, it has increased the pressure on the regeneration profession.
In order to deliver on government initiatives within towns and cities throughout the UK, skilled workers within planning, environmental and urban development are all required to meet standards.
An increased focus on sustainability
As regeneration professionals increase their focus on sustainable development, specialised knowledge within sustainable materials, carbon-neutral building practices and environmental science are becoming more important.
With skills surrounding sustainability less frequently part of traditional training within the sector, it’s essential that there are active efforts to ensure professionals are not lacking skills within this area.
Inadequate training opportunities
A stagnation in skills might arise from a lack of investment from employers to employees. If employers are not willing to invest in their employees' continuous professional development this could result in them missing out on acquiring important new skills within the sector.
In emerging areas such as sustainable urban design, a lack of specialised courses might hinder a regeneration professionals ability to enhance their skills.
If an employer fails to invest in their team's skill development, this could also lead to employees having outdated skills that are no longer as required within the sector. For example, as technology evolves and digital tools become more and more advanced within the sector, employers may choose to enrol their employees on courses that will help them acquire and improve their technological skills.
Whilst employers do bear some responsibility to help employees progress professionally, employees can also take initiative and invest in their own professional development.
Economic uncertainty
Workforce and skill shortages can sometimes arise as a result of economic pressures and fluctuating budgets within the regeneration sector.
In times of economic uncertainty, employers may choose to reduce the investment they put into hiring new talent which in turn can lead to skill shortages within the sector.
For example, as a result of the UK’s recent economic challenges, some local councils have faced funding shortages, which might have led to job cuts and limitations within training investments.
How can a skills shortage in the regeneration sector be addressed?
Addressing any skills shortages within the UK’s regeneration sector requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing education and industry initiatives to help overcome the challenge.
In order to ensure that there are enough skilled professionals to replace people nearing retirement age, educational institutions might choose to put measures in place to educate students about careers within the regeneration sector.
Specialised university courses and apprenticeship programmes revolving around urban planning and environmental studies are an efficient way to equip young people with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in the regeneration sector.
Investing within the existing workforce is also an advised way to mitigate a skill shortage in the regeneration sector.
Employers who prioritise the continuous professional development of their workforce, afford them the opportunity to upskill and meet the changing demands of the sector. For example, advanced training in digital planning tools and software is important for addressing a potential shortage in technological skills amongst professionals.
Improving the overall working conditions of the sector might also encourage young people to consider a career within regeneration. Flexibility within working patterns may make the profession more attractive to young people and therefore increase the number of people pursuing a career and help to mitigate a skills shortage in the sector.
Regeneration jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim regeneration job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Regeneration recruitment services
As regeneration recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with our regeneration specialist, Chris Wilkinson on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
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