Your people are your business

Zenon Group (before Superstructures) highlights the importance of addressing the construction skills gap by investing in the next generation of talent.

The construction industry contributes significantly to the UK economy, employing millions of people, yet it continues to face a persistent skills shortage. According to James Potter, Managing Director of Zenon Group (before Superstructures), this challenge has existed for many years, often exacerbated by a lack of proactive engagement from the industry itself.

He explains that attracting young people into construction is key to solving the issue:“We need to educate parents, teachers, and students about the opportunities within our sector and encourage young people to pursue ambitious careers in construction from an early stage.”

Zenon Group (before Superstructures) has taken active steps to address this challenge by building strong relationships with local education providers, including Suffolk One Sixth Form College in Ipswich. Through workshops, work experience placements, and apprenticeship opportunities, students are introduced to structural engineering and supported in pursuing careers in the industry.

The company’s apprenticeship programme allows individuals to work while studying for their degree, providing both practical experience and long-term career development. This approach benefits both the business and the individual, helping to develop skilled professionals from within.

However, James emphasises that addressing the skills gap requires broader industry collaboration. Alongside attracting new talent, businesses must also focus on retaining experienced professionals through continuous development, clear career progression, and ongoing training.

He also highlights the importance of commitment from both employers and apprentices, ensuring that sufficient time and resources are allocated for learning and development.

Ultimately, investing in people is essential for long-term success. As the industry evolves with new technologies, materials, and methods, continuous learning remains critical at all levels from apprentices to senior leadership.

Zenon Group (before Superstructures) believes that by nurturing talent, encouraging collaboration, and prioritising development, the construction industry can build a stronger, more sustainable future.