A new film produced by global construction management institute, the CIOB, aims to revamp the image of the industry by highlighting its high-tech and professional side in a bid to appeal to the young.
It comes as recent forecasts have predicted that the UK construction industry will need to find almost 224,000 new recruits by 2019.
"Building Tomorrow" shows the breadth and depth of an industry that contributes over £90bn to the UK economy, and examines the scale of investments and advances made in construction technology, sustainability, training and recruitment.
This is an innovative industry that uses smart technology and systems to overcome today’s challenges and to adapt to whatever the future may hold– CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe
Introduced by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, the in-depth programme co-produced by ITN Productions features industry interviews and news-style reports along with sponsored editorial profiles of some of the leading organisations in the sector.
"Construction is so much more than what most people think," said CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe. "Its impact on society, the economy, jobs and other industries is massive. It touches everybody’s life in some way.
"This is an innovative industry that uses smart technology and systems to overcome today’s challenges and to adapt to whatever the future may hold. It deserves to have its story told and in doing so we hope ‘Building Tomorrow’ will attract the next generation into one of the most exciting careers out there."
In each segment of the film a reporter visits a particular location to find out more about the subject, investigating background issues and interviewing partners’ expert commentators.
See the film here.
Reflecting the UK government’s construction strategy, BIM is at the top of the agenda, with the film featuring testimonials from a number of major players in the sector who have embraced BIM and observed its benefits.Â
Construction is everywhere as our communities and landscapes develop, but each project requires good management, innovative people, and cutting-edge technology– Simon Shelley, ITN Productions
Digital innovation also starts in the classroom, with one segment of the film exploring how digital gaming and software are attracting the next generation into construction careers.
Simon Shelley, head of industry news at ITN Productions added: "Construction is everywhere as our communities and landscapes develop, but each project requires good management, innovative people, and cutting-edge technology. Our aim was to explore the story of construction and engage with professionals from across the sector."
Sponsor companies featured in the film are: Autodesk, British Ceramic Tile, EQUE2, Evironet, Granger Reis Ltd, Hewden, Mabey Hire, Mitsubishi Electric, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), O’Donovan Waste Disposal, Plowman Craven, Roger Bullivant, SES, SSE Enterprise, Taylor Wimpey, Textura, Union Square Software, Viewpoint and William Hare.
The collaboration with ITN Productions has also resulted in five shorter films which will be launched throughout 2016.
Photograph: National newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky hosts the in-depth programme
