Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 1ST - 7TH JULY 2016 | 19 decentralised power company DEIF. "There are many power plants where diesel generators are in opera- tion for primary or back-up power, but the operators want to add photovol- taic power for its financial and envi- ronmental advantages," said Xavier Datin, VP, commercial and residential solar business at Schneider Electric. If you have an asset or project you would like to see featured in this slot, email: MathewBeech@fav-house.com Pipe up Chris Wood The chronic skills shortage in the utilities, energy and construction industries means companies are necessar- ily recruiting from the same small pool of talent. This is inevitably pushing up salaries. So, if the skills shortage isn't tackled effectively, we could eventually see wages rising to unsustainable levels, maybe leading to pay rates as high as those for top-flight footballers. Rising wage bills can bring only two outcomes: lower profits for businesses or, much more likely, higher prices for consumers. In seeking to address the skills shortage (to some degree at least), we have been hosting a series of industry roundtable events to share best practice, generate ideas and create tangible action plans. These events have been well received and attracted representa- tives from, among others, Balfour Beatty, Skanska UK, Siemens, tRIIO, SGN, City & Guilds and Energy & Utility Skills. These industry skills forums have highlighted the desperate need to attract, train and retain young peo- ple into vital infrastructure industries – if only to keep the lights on, water running and our houses warm. Unfortunately, when employers try to attract new recruits, there is oen very little take-up. The forum highlighted the need for companies to collaborate and perhaps host joint careers fairs, similar to those run by the armed forces. School leavers and young people in particular also need to be made aware of the benefits of apprenticeships and the opportunities available in the utility sector. Equally, we need to work on overcoming prejudice from some sections of society, which continues to deter school leavers from embarking on worthwhile and stimulating careers in the utility and construction sectors. Despite technological changes, careers in engineer- ing and construction are oen still considered in some quarters to be unappealing and lacking in glamour. To make change happen, the education system must engage schoolchildren as early as possible to ensure that workplace training and apprenticeships are seen as a worthy alternative to university. With the relatively high costs of university education in the UK, more and more apprenticeships are being offered as a viable alternative. Now would seem to be an ideal time for the promotion of career paths offering the chance for young people to earn as they learn and to gain experience on real projects. Chris Wood, chief executive, Develop Training "If the skills shortage isn't tackled effectively, we could eventually see wages rising to unsustainable levels" "Careers in engineering and construction are often still considered in some quarters to be unappealing" Operations & Assets

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