Ensuring that the construction sector remains relevant, renewed and able to deliver on the market needs of the future requires the recruitment of the best talent among school leavers or college graduates, says AfriSam’s Avi Bhoora.

He notes that recruitment of youth is becoming increasingly difficult as “ there appears to be a strong preference for an ‘office job’ rather than the often difficult conditions of working on a construction site, for instance.” He highlights the strategic importance of the construction supply chain, which he says offers rewarding and exciting careers for those with vision and a strong work ethic.

“It might not be obvious to many people how vital our work is to every citizen’s quality of life,” he says. “If we could better convey the importance of what we do, it could inspire more youth to consider the opportunities and get involved.”

This might need a concerted rebranding of the industry’s image, to emphasise the many avenues that are open to new entrants. His concern is that construction-related careers have become a ‘blind spot’ to many young people, blocking any possibility of exploring these options.

An important starting point is for the public to appreciate more clearly that every city, road, bridge, dam, school, hospital or other engineered structure results from the work of skilled contractors and their supply chain.

“Materials like aggregate must be extracted from the earth to make the concrete for this infrastructure; it is difficult work, but essential for progress,” says Bhoora. “If the youth can be inspired by these messages, perhaps we can start changing the value they place on the occupations this field offers.”