CPD in the Construction sector

Overview of the Construction Industry

The construction industry contributed £103 billion to the economy in 2014, which equates to 6.5% of the UK total. The industry employs over 2.1 million people, an impressive 6.3% of total employment. Construction is an extremely large industry, complex and diverse, covering a wide range of activities including house-builders, commercial property developers, designers & architects, materials producers, technicians, specifiers, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and consultants ("www.parliament.uk":http://www.parliament.uk, No: 01432, 6 Aug 2015). 

The Department for Business Innovation & Skills UK Construction Economic Analysis Report (July, 2013) states that the construction industry is one of the largest sectors in the UK but is significantly more fragmented than its main European competitors. Major factors that are creating change in the sector include the ongoing movement towards a globalised market, demand for sustainable development and the technological growth of emerging economies.

CPD in the Construction Industry

The CPD Certification Service works alongside the construction sector to ensure training courses, seminars and learning activities are compatible with Continuing Professional Development policies of the industry. CPD has been long-established within the sector, with all of the industry professional bodies having longstanding CPD requirements in place.

All members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineers (CIPHE) are required to participate in Continuing Professional Development, and are currently recommended to obtain 30 hours of CPD on an annual basis. The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) states that CPD is an essential part of personal development that helps maintain professional status and facilitates learning new ideas from fellow professionals. CABE members are required to complete 35 hours of CPD each year.

The Association of Project Managers (APM) have integrated CPD into the APM FIVE Dimensions of Professionalism, ensuring there is a commitment from all members to lifelong learning. APM members are required to complete 35 hours of CPD from both formal and informal training environments. Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) members are required to complete at least 20 hours of CPD each year, and the Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation expect members to obtain at least 25 hours of CPD, spread over a 3 year period.

From an architectural standpoint, both the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) require members to comply with a minimum number of 35 CPD hours each year, of which at least 50% should come from a structured training environment.