Training In Retrofit: Max's Story
How do you get into a retrofit job?
There is a nationwide shortage of workers in construction. That's the whole industry. In retrofit, the shortage is even more acute. Why? And as demand increases, what's holding back the supply of workers?
Meet Max
The feature picture is Max, he's in his twenties, educated in a small town near Bristol and lives across the country during the week working at sites as a dry liner. He's been doing the job for 7+ years and has graduated form apprenticing, to running and even managing jobs.
But like many of the professionals, he's self employed. Which means he has a problem. How does he do it?
Max is really keen to progress. In retrofit. In fact he's one of the most dedicated 'converts' I have met in a while. Not much of a drinker, he's training hard for an Ironman, but every spare moment he can - he's trying to work out how to transfer his skills to get a career in the growing retrofit sector.
The problem is, that paid in work re-training is really only possible when you work for a large organisation. Funding is limited to larger organisations, not lone self employed professionals.
So Max has a choice and it's a difficult one.
Choices and Options For Retraining in Retrofit
The choice for retraining in retrofit are stark;
- Take a pay cut and apprentice to a retrofit company in the discipline you are expert at.
- Join a large construction company that is investing in retrofit skills and hope that you can be picked up for retraining.
- Leave the workforce and take a sabbatical to retrain.
None of these options are attractive in a cost of living crisis. And the idea that young, even ambitious professionals like Max are going to take a punt on retrofit - is unrealistic.
Nonetheless. We can use Max as an example. With no family to support and a girlfriend keen to see him progress (and be able to afford their first flat together) Max has taken the bold step of taking on a Level 3 retrofit course, that complements his dry lining skills.
The obvious choice should be a direction towards ventilation, insulation or some part of retrofit related to the fabric of buildings. Max has spent years understanding the make up, physics and hands on repair of buildings - I've seen him in action on the tools and he's a regular force of nature.
Where To Start - And Where Will You Finish?
The reason why we're covering Max's story. Thousands of young construction professionals and new entrants to the sector - need a clear pathway to achieve their ambition. Drop out rates from construction courses and failed outcomes are a regular feature of the entire sector and this needs to change.
Career Changers Need Employers to Use This Company
Industry disruptors like Greenworkx are providing more holistic support to retrofit 'wannabees' but what is the most effective career mapping for you?
If you have arrived at this page because you are looking for answers. We're on the hunt too.
Subscribe to the magazine today as we work through career maps in the next few weeks focussing on getting a future in retrofit.
And we'll keep you updated on Max's story too.
If you're looking for a handy directory of courses, we built this tool;
Matthew Forbes Milloy
