UK Construction Market Report 2Q 2024
Upskill
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has accelerated over the last year or so, particularly with the introduction of chatbots such as Chat GPT.
Over 30% of survey respondents said they ‘extensively use’ or ‘dabble’ with AI tools to support workplace activities. However, nearly half of respondents said they haven’t used AI to help them with work.
In an industry traditionally associated with manual skills, it can be easy to see why a reluctance to embrace AI and new technologies could cause integration into the construction industry to stall.
That being said, previous iterations of our market survey consistently saw the use of AI and technology score the lowest in terms of the biggest threats to the construction industry. It is, therefore, encouraging that the industry would view the digital transformation of the industry as one with opportunities rather than threats.
Gleeds recognises the barriers to implementing these tools and the need to put in place a mechanism to overcome these. We have produced our very own data literacy programme to help construction professionals effectively utilise and understand data. This is Upskill.
Why Upskill?
The UK government has emphasised the need for developing data skills at scale; a theme echoed in the latest Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) report on Data Analytics and AI in Government Project Delivery.
In an industry where attracting new talent to plug the skills gap is one of the most difficult challenges, professionals must harness their data skills to increase productivity and automate laborious and time-consuming tasks.
Upskill addresses the growing need for comprehensive data education that spans basic literacy to advanced analytics, equipping all employees to handle the evolving demands of the construction sector. It aims to equip professionals with the tools to navigate and leverage data effectively, thus enhancing their decision-making and project management
Courses tailored for every professional
Upskill offers a range of courses designed to cater to different levels of expertise and roles within the construction industry:
- Introduction to project data analytics: Ideal for beginners, this course covers the basics of data analytics, introducing tools like Power BI to get professionals started on their data journey.
- Advanced data strategies: For more seasoned professionals, this course delves into sophisticated data analysis techniques and strategies to harness data for complex project management.
- Data for leaders: This special module helps senior leaders understand how data can drive strategic decision-making and foster a culture of innovation and efficiency within their teams.
- Levels 3–7 in project data analytics: These courses are meticulously designed for professionals eager to deeply explore the realm of project data analytics. Starting from Level 3 for those who have a foundational understanding and progressing through to Level 7 for experts seeking to master the forefront of analytics technology and methodologies.
- Hackathons and hands-on sessions: Upskill encourages the practical application of skills through hackathons where participants tackle real industry challenges using data analytics tools.
A commitment to continuous learning
The digital age will require skilled professionals to advance construction project delivery. Upskilling in data literacy will propel individuals ahead of current industry standards, seizing the opportunities to put them at the forefront of the wider industry’s adaptation of new technologies.
For those interested in transforming their professional capabilities and embracing the data-driven future of construction, Upskill is your gateway to success.
Join us to build your data literacy and propel your career to new heights.
“We would highly recommend Upskill to anyone looking to gain valuable insights into AI and the potential to revolutionise business operations”
KATE KING
PROJECT DELIVERY AND IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORATE
UK RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (UKRI)
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