Time-stamped highlights:

[00:20] Peter kickstarts the podcast

[00:34] Peter introduces Marcus Bennet

[01:00] Marcus talks about his role at CITB and the Construction Skills Network report

[02:19] An extra 225,000 construction workers may be needed by 2027

[03:51] Climate change driving “significant investment” in infrastructure

[04:00] “Ensuring what we build is more considerate to the environment”

[04:32] “Tackling the net-zero challenge is the biggest construction project this century”

[04:45] Shortage of workers is a major concern for those in the construction sector

[05.40] “Construction is critical… We shouldn’t underestimate its status and importance”

[06:21] “There’s something for everyone in construction”

[07:42] Digitalisation and attracting new talent

[09:02] Encouraging diversity within the construction workplace

[11.33] How CITB works/supports the industry

[12:13] The Apprenticeship Task Force

[13:00] “How do we get more people in” to apprenticeships

[13:57] CITB has announced an investment of more than £800,000 for the launch of a new employer network pilot project

[15:44] The importance of upskilling the construction sector’s current workforce

[18:50] The need for digitalisation on site

[19:05] Encouraging the next workforce into a career in construction technology

[20:30] The facilities needed to tackle these challenges and meet the needs of the construction sector

[21:06] Using virtual reality and new technology for training

[22:43] “We’ve got to make it a place where absolutely everyone can work”

[23:31] Marcus shares his final thoughts

[23:58] Peter wraps up the podcast

Links mentioned in today's episode:

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

www.citb.co.uk

Download the Construction Skills Network (CSN) report here