I advocate the bolstering of the UK construction's image, but it must go hand in hand with a real improvement in the substance of the industry. It must be efficient and safe, and it must deliver a valued and desirable product. If we work to change the reality – to improve site conditions, to spread the partnering ethos, to educate clients – then the image of this industry will change, too.
So here are the targets:
- By the end of this year, 20% of projects will be undertaken by integrated teams;
- By 2006, 300,000 people will be recruited and retained in the industry;
- And by the following year we'll see a 50% increase in higher and further education courses.
With those targets achieved, the image of our industry will improve. The challenges ahead are significant, but we must start somewhere. It is not just organisations driving change that are responsible for improving the substance and image of the industry. We need unity and a collective commitment to create a world-class construction industry in the UK.
Postscript
Dennis Lenard, chief executive, Constructing Excellence, via email
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