The fast paced nature of the construction industry requires companies and their employees to be trained to the highest standards so that they can position themselves as leaders in the field. Constantly developing their knowledge, professionalism and skill sets ensures they are up-to-date with the latest industry concepts and practices.
A failure to dedicate themselves to CPD (Continuing Professional Development) means they could risk falling behind to other competitors and hinder the construction industry as it attempts to progress further and adapt to the rapidly changing workforce and expectations of the population. According to the Daily Telegraph, there is a rising demand for new housing and therefore the construction industry is forecast to be one of the fastest growing industries in 2020.
Maximising staff potential will enable companies to meet business objectives and by promoting a culture that values internal progression, employees will be motivated to succeed which will result in positive outcomes and a self-driven workforce. If workers are satisfied and feel that they are held in high regard, they are less likely to want to leave and this will result in staff retention increasing.
CPD also strengthens relationships with customers and clients. They will recognise a CPD-accredited professional or company as a reliable and trusted expert. The accreditation acts as a seal of approval and enhances the overall reputation of the construction industry. Whilst it remains one of the most cut-throat and lucrative sectors in the UK, there are key components of CPD certification that are universal to the construction industry which standardisation can help with.
A key component of the construction industry is health and safety with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reporting that there are around 58,000 non-fatal injuries to construction workers each year. This type of work is often exposed to hazardous situations and it is imperative that all measures are in place to eliminate the potential dangers that lurk such as falling materials or airborne fibres or toxins.
By not implementing the correct health and safety procedures, companies are not only breaking the law, but are also opening themselves up to the possibility of receiving a large fine or even prohibited from operating depending on the level of risk. There are a wide range of CPD-approved courses and certifications designed to reduce workplace risk and provide a proactive framework for both preventing and responding to health and safety incidents.
Such is the diversity of the construction industry, it is vital that companies can maintain a high level of accuracy and efficiency. From contractors to engineers to architects, completing CPD within this area enables organisations to run cost-effective businesses and deliver on their promises to consumers.
Being able to compile and share accurate data effectively brings a high level of framework to a project without comprising on the quality of work, as well as ensuring that resources are utilised intelligently. This aspect of CPD will also cover other concerns such as energy use, health and safety risks, asset management and realistic timeframes.
When it comes to sustainability, the construction sector hasn’t always been renowned for its forward-thinking initiatives. However, technological innovation and Government backing has forced the industry to improve its green credentials and promote sustainable construction. For example, in October 2018, the Government launched a new £320m funding drive aimed at boosting low carbon sources of heating for homes and businesses.
CPD will enable the industry to keep in-line with compliance requirements and the knowledge to ensure all future building work is environmentally-friendly and embracing a sustainable future for years to come. This type of accreditation is invaluable to the construction industry as it provide a useful benchmark for annual reviews and bestows the flexibility it requires to respond to the evolving industry demands.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information about becoming a CPD accredited training provider, please contact our team to discuss in more detail. Alternatively visit the Construction CPD Industry Hub for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development.
