Building Competence, Leadership, and a Stronger Future in Construction

  Joe Swindells Chartered MCIPD  |   13th December 2024 |   3 mins

The construction industry is at a pivotal moment. Sweeping changes like the Building Safety Act, the end of CSCS grandfathering rights, and shifts in workforce demographics are reshaping the landscape. Alongside these changes, the need for stronger leadership and management skills has never been more pressing.

As the Head of Learning & Development at The OM Group, and through my work in Construction and Property Development, I’ve seen first-hand how businesses grapple with these challenges. The good news? The industry is stepping up. But there’s still work to be done.

Competence: The Foundation of Success

Construction has long been an industry of specialists. Professionals follow structured training pathways to become technical experts in their fields, mastering the skills needed to deliver on projects. However, as many businesses have discovered, competence isn’t just about technical know-how.

The Building Safety Act has underscored the importance of competence at every level. It’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements – it’s about ensuring the safety, quality, and success of every project. But meeting these new standards isn’t easy. Workers who’ve relied on experience alone must now demonstrate qualifications, and the industry needs leaders who can navigate these complex demands.

Leadership: Bridging the Gap

Here’s the challenge: while technical training is robust, leadership and management training often lags behind. How often do we promote talented site supervisors or engineers into leadership roles without giving them the tools to succeed?

The result is that many managers are left to “find their own way.” They learn through trial and error, often without the support or structured training they need. But leadership in construction is more than a title – it’s about driving teams, projects, and safety forward.

At The OM Group, we see leadership as a skill that can and must be developed. That’s why we’re proud to deliver qualifications like the ILM Level 3 in Leadership and Management Practice for the Construction and Built Environment Sector. Funded by CITB, this program is tailored for the industry, offering site and non-site construction leaders the tools they need to succeed.

The Changing Workforce

The workforce itself is changing. Younger employees entering the industry have different expectations – they value flexibility, inclusivity, and opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, an aging workforce means we risk losing decades of experience and knowledge.

Add to this the increasing focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as the growing recognition of mental health challenges in the industry. It’s clear: today’s leaders need more than technical skills. They need empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive culture.

What’s Next?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already thinking about how to better equip your teams to face these challenges. At The OM Group, we’ve seen how investing in the right training can transform not only individual careers but entire organisations.

Our approach is simple:

• We deliver training that’s flexible, practical, and directly aligned with the demands of the construction industry.
• We help businesses tap into funding opportunities, like the CITB’s leadership and management development fund, to make these investments accessible.
• We create learning experiences that inspire and engage employees, helping them thrive in their roles while meeting business objectives.

The construction industry is evolving. To succeed, we need leaders who are not just experts in their fields but also skilled managers and inspiring role models.

Ready to Build the Future?

If you’re looking to develop your team’s leadership and management capabilities – or if you’d simply like to learn more about how The OM Group can support your business – get in touch.

Together, we can ensure your business has the skills and confidence to meet today’s challenges and build a stronger future.

Leadership isn’t just about managing projects – it’s about shaping the future of our industry. Let’s start building together.