Labour shortages in the construction sector represent THE major challenge of recent years. This situation is due to several factors, including:
- An ageing population within the sector
- The construction sector’s lack of attractiveness to younger generations
For these reasons, many construction companies are struggling to find workers to fill vacant positions, which is slowing down projects and putting a brake on growth in the sector. This shortage is also affecting production costs, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to attract and train a new generation of qualified workers.
That’s why, in 2024, Construcity.brussels and its partners launched two pilot projects within the context of the RENOLAB ID calls for projects from Brussels Environment.
Hello Toit
Construcity.brussels and the efp (a Belgian skills and training agency) have developed the “Hello Toit” project, which aims to facilitate connections between roofing businesses and young people. The message is simple: being a roofer means being sure of a stable and satisfying career, as well as making a positive contribution to the environment.
The “Hello Toit” project emphasises these appealing qualities of the job, in collaboration with youth partners, to highlight career opportunities in the roofing sector. It does this through facilitating construction job discovery days (the construction challenge – 16 March at the efp) and through targeted activities throughout the year. The end goal is to open a new roofing apprenticeship path at the efp in September.
Futur (P)roof
Construcity.brussels and Casablanco are launching a unique, new on-the-job training programme with the aim of finding jobs for people excluded from the labour market and responding to demand for labour in the roofing sector. Their aim is to provide training for an in-demand profession and a contract of employment to boot!
The project covers two years of hands-on training, with a mix of learning, and working for a social enterprise and for a roofing company.
Beyond technical skills, this experience offers participants the opportunity to discover what being on a work site is actually like, and to start to acquire the behaviours and skills needed to become a roofer, such as working with zinc, laying tiles and slates, and insulation techniques.
The programme also includes continuing training, to ensure professional development and the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the market. As such, this immersive programme represents a promising and exciting opportunity to start a career in the roofing sector!
Are you interested in taking part in one of these projects as a roofing business owner?
Join us today to take part in these innovative projects that aim to connect with and train a new generation of skilled and versatile workers. To find out more about these exciting opportunities, please contact Construcity.brussels (info@construcity.be). Together, let’s build a promising future for the roofing sector!
Author : Gracia-Denise Mabaya, Construcity
Sources :
- Les secteurs. (2022, 29 avril). Pénurie de main-d’œuvre dans le secteur. L’info CSC. Consulté le 21 février 2024, à l’adresse https://linfo-csc.be/magazine/plus-de-droits-pour-votre-dos/construction-penurie-de-main-doeuvre-dans-le-secteur/
- Pénurie de main d’œuvre dans le BTP, quelles solutions ? | Traxxeo. (s. d.). Traxxeo | Logiciel Btp Traxxeo. https://traxxeo.com/actualite/penurie-de-main-doeuvre-dans-la-construction-quelles-solutions/
- De Flandre, F.-. L. (2023, 30 mai). 14.000 emplois vacants dans le bâtiment : cette pénurie a un impact sur de nombreux projets. vrtnws.be. https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/fr/2023/05/30/14-000-emplois-vacants-dans-le-secteur-du-batiment-cette-penur/
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