Information courtesy of Mike Johnson at JohnsonBIM

OPPORTUNITIES ARE INCREASING, SLOWLY

It’s encouraging to see all the construction industry performance data pointing in the right direction and confidence returning. Turner & Townsend’s latest contractor survey found ‘sentiment has climbed to its strongest level on record. 46.0 percent of respondents report the construction market is getting warmer, with only 11.1 percent feeling it is getting cooler.’

Overall, vacancies in the construction industry are up to their highest level for five years, and their second highest level since the pre-2008 peak, but pay growth has only increased by 1.2 percent over the last year.

In our BIM bubble, salaries have remained similarly flat but, although increasing, the number of vacancies are yet to reach the level of 5 years ago. However, the rate of demand is rising and the supply is lower than ever.

DATA CENTRIC OPPORTUNITIES ON THE RISE

More clients are asking us for candidates with experience in (or a desire to focus on) data. From Information Management roles to Data Science.

When research shows that advanced data analysis can facilitate a ten-fold improvement in project delivery performance (yet 95% of data is wasted at the moment) you can see why there is so much opportunity. Read more in Grant Findlay’s excellent article in BIMPlus this week and this study from CDBB on the necessity to expand and accelerate the widespread adoption of information management:

“The imperative for the industry to improve has never been higher and this study provides evidence of the change not just in motion but accelerating.” Richard Robinson, Atkins UK and Europe CEO.

CONSULTANCY OPPORTUNITIES ON THE RISE

It’s worth noting the majority of vacancies currently on the job board are with the leading Digital Construction Consultancies.

I have spoken about this in previous posts. As the construction industry emerges from a crisis there is a cycle when employers are growing in confidence but are not ready to recruit directly. They outsource work they cannot resource internally. This can range from basic modelling requirements to strategic advice.

The vacancies we are getting with the leading Consultancies are tending to focus on strategic advice and present exciting, fast-track career progression for those passionate about digital construction and helping clients maximise the potential.

PREDICTIONS

Based on the following two assumptions:

1. The 3^rd wave stays under control and therefore;
2. The construction industry feels confident in the continuing up-turn…

• In the very short term (July and August), demand will slow down with the usual holiday season hiatus;
• The demand for experienced, project focussed BIM Managers and Coordinators will rise rapidly from September;
• In the medium term, salary growth will remain flat but pressure will rise if demand increases as quickly as predicted from September;
• With the lack of experienced talent available and salaries rising too fast, the demand for BIM trainees will rise – probably from September;
• More data centric career opportunities will appear (see above);
• More opportunities will be with with Digital Construction Consultants.