Modernise or die?
Modernise or die was the rallying call to our industry in the recent Farmer Report – put simply, the industry faces both a lack of skilled people and the skills to increase productivity.
Modernise or Die
Download Productivity in the construction sector has remained flat for over 20 years. We are the only industry, except agriculture, to have this problem. It is compounded by low margins stifling our investment in people.
Clients and the public sector are encouraging us to act differently, through the contracts they enter into with us, the way they procure and how they use planning conditions.
It’s becoming increasingly important that we develop the skills and talents of all our people, whether directly employed, temporary or contingent labour or working in our supply chains. Also, that the entry points to the sector (e.g. entry level apprentices) have progression paths.
The issue of training and skills is usefully considered alongside other School topics of Employment and Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, because progression of each is inextricably linked with the others.

“We will not have the labour force to deliver what the country needs by working in traditional ways and those ways will not create enough added value for clients or suppliers to allow construction to prosper.”Mark Farmer, Modernise or Die
Training and Skills
Reading from the Start – VINCI social value
Document / Presentation
Training and Skills
Future Skills Report
Web link
Training and Skills
10 reasons why you need to train your employees
Web link
Training and Skills
UK Government – Taking on an Apprentice
Web link
Case Study Ardmore
Practical examples of how contractors can take action to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce.


Making our workplaces even better for everyone.


With 40.3 million victims estimated by the Global Slavery Index…


Develop your leadership and management skills and drive sustainable change.


Making construction leaner, greener and more efficient.



