The Highways Sector Council (HSC) has published the results of a major skills survey revealing that while two-thirds of highways staff would recommend it as a career, the sector needs to improve its image and raise awareness of the opportunities available.
Of the main reasons why people would recommend the highways sector, the largest factor was the 'variety of work', cited by 23% of respondents, another 19% said 'people and team', closely followed by the ability to make a difference, which as key to 18%.
Problem-solving, and satisfaction from seeing your work were also among the top reasons for worker satisfaction.
Identifying 'perceived blockers' to working in the industry, 21% said the sector had a 'visibility and negative perception' problem, while 16% of respondents cited a 'lack of awareness of careers available' and the 'culture and behaviours of the sector'.
The survey was launched earlier this year by the HSC Future Leaders Group to help understand how to make highways ‘a career of choice’ and how the sector can continue to attract skilled candidates from all backgrounds, understand future skills required and retain its existing talent.
Over 1,000 people responded from the public and private sector across the UK in both the strategic and local road networks, covering more than 200 roles at every level.
Also pictured (l-r): Chris Buchanan; John Dixon; Sue Percy CBE; Leon Daniels OBE (HSC chair)
The report also highlights:
- a need to improve the collective brand image for highways
- a lack of awareness of careers available across the sector irrespective of which part of the sector people join or work in
- a need to attract and retain diversity in all respects for skills today and for the future
- a lack of awareness of what sector-wide training is available to support our carbon and digital agenda
Among the remedies suggested were a major promotional push for the industry, an equal focus on young talent and mid-career candidates and a better 'understanding of how to create environments where everyone feels they can flourish'.
'We should do more to train our highways colleagues on emerging topics including climate change, decarbonisation, social value, changing travel needs, asset management and mobility as a service. ,' the report added.
Anna Delvecchio (pictured, third from right), founding member of the HSC and chair of the Future Leaders Group, said: ‘We now have a credible baseline to work with. We can absolutely deliver a campaign making highways a career of choice, but we need to work in greater collaboration as a sector with a stronger partnership between the public and private sector, our clients, and the Department for Transport to ensure our sector flourishes in growth and jobs.’
Elliot Shaw (pictured second from right), National Highways’ chief customer and strategy officer, said: ‘These survey results underline the importance of showcasing the opportunities that exist across our sector.
‘Our people take huge satisfaction from knowing that the work they do matters to people’s lives day in day out, but we need to continue to grow and diversify our sector if we are to achieve our societal, environmental and economic goals. Greater collaboration will be integral to our success and the Highways Sector Council’s role will be crucial.’
Based on the report’s findings, the HSC, in partnership with others industry stakeholders, is hosting several workshops across the UK for the wider industry to obtain input into its plans and priorities.
It said the workshops, which will start in January and span the country as it seeks to engage the workforce in shaping highways as a career of choice, will range from CEO to apprentice. Click here to register your interest.
