Hochiki warns of skills shortage

With recent figures from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) suggesting that the shortage of electricians, such as life safety installers, is at its highest level for four years, the skills gap is a pressing issue across the built environment, posing a risk to the industry’s future growth. 

The study of European fire safety and emergency lighting installers carried out by the leading life safety system manufacturer, found that only two fifths (39 percent) of respondents work for a company that offers an apprenticeship programme. Just 17 percent reported that their employer offers a graduate programme to attract university leavers to the industry.

Speaking about the findings, Hochiki Europe general manager of operations Ray Turner commented: “The skills gap both in our own sector and across the built environment has been a pressing concern for a number of years but, as the survey shows, our industry is doing too little to address the issue. 

“If the industry is to continue to grow into the future, it is imperative that manufacturers and installers create the training opportunities necessary to equip the next generation with the skills they need to build a fulfilling career as life safety professionals.”