The construction industry is facing a critical skills shortage. As demand for new housing, infrastructure, and commercial projects grows, employers are struggling to find workers with the right expertise. The question is: should companies upskill their existing workforce or hire new talent? At Legacy Strategies, we specialise in helping businesses navigate these workforce challenges, ensuring they build resilient, skilled teams for the future.

The Current Skills Shortage in Construction

According to recent industry reports, the UK construction sector needs thousands of new workers to meet demand. An ageing workforce, post-Brexit labour shortages, and rapid technological advancements mean many employers are scrambling to fill essential roles. Without skilled workers, project delays and rising costs become inevitable.

So, what’s the best approach? Should businesses invest in upskilling their current workforce, or should they recruit externally to bridge the gap? Let’s explore both options.

Upskilling: Investing in Your Existing Workforce

Upskilling involves training your current employees to develop new or enhanced skills. This can be done through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and professional development programmes. Here’s why upskilling is a strategic move:

• Cost-Effective: Recruiting and onboarding new employees can be expensive. Training existing staff can be a more budget-friendly alternative.

• Boosts Employee Retention: Investing in training shows employees they are valued, leading to higher morale and lower turnover rates.

• Faster Integration: Existing employees already understand your company culture and processes, making it easier for them to apply new skills efficiently.

• Addresses Future Needs: As construction technology advances, ongoing training ensures your team stays ahead of industry changes.

However, upskilling does take time, and not all skill gaps can be addressed internally. This is where external hiring comes into play.

Hiring: Bringing in New Talent

Recruiting skilled workers from outside the organisation offers immediate expertise and fresh perspectives. Here’s why hiring can be the right choice:

• Faster Results: If your project requires a specific skill set urgently, hiring externally may be the quickest solution.

• Brings in New Ideas: New employees bring different experiences and insights, which can drive innovation within your company.

• Addresses Critical Skill Gaps: Some skills require years of training, and hiring an expert can be the only viable option.

On the flip side, recruitment is often costly and time-consuming, and finding the right talent in a competitive market can be challenging.

Striking the Right Balance

So, which is better: upskilling or hiring? The answer lies in a balanced approach. Companies should evaluate their current workforce, identify skill gaps, and determine which roles can be developed internally versus those that require external expertise.

• Short-Term Needs: If a project has an urgent skills gap, hiring externally may be the best solution.

• Long-Term Growth: For sustainable workforce development, upskilling ensures continuous improvement and adaptability.

• Hybrid Approach: A combination of training and strategic hiring helps businesses remain competitive while retaining valuable employees.

How We Can Help

At Legacy Strategies, we support construction businesses in making the right workforce decisions. Whether you need help designing an upskilling programme or sourcing top talent, our HR consultancy services ensure your company stays ahead in a fast-evolving industry.

Want to future-proof your workforce? Contact us today to discuss your upskilling and recruitment strategy.

📞 01702 540145

📧 info@legacystrategiesltd.co.uk

References & Links

Benefits of Upskilling Employees vs. Hiring Externally | LinkedIn Learning

Recruiting and hiring - GOV.UK

Upskilling your workforce

Apprenticeship Provider | National Upskill

Find training and employment schemes for your business - Apprenticeships