Lechley Associates

07/02/2025

🚧 The Ticking Time Bomb: Addressing the UK Construction Workforce Demographic Crisis 🚧

As someone deeply embedded in the construction industry, I've witnessed firsthand the exodus of our seasoned professionals.

Many are leaving, some disillusioned, others simply going through the motions, while many still yearn to contribute to the industry they hold dear.

It's a bittersweet reality that those nearing retirement still wish to remain connected in some capacity.

I am fortunate to have the platform to influence and engage with decision-makers in my role. This unique position allows me to question and drive conversations around our pressing demographic challenges.

I'm actively collaborating with various training boards and government initiatives to reshape the perception of our industry and make it more appealing to the younger generation.

The construction industry is at a crossroads, and we must act swiftly to ensure a sustainable future. By investing in our people and embracing innovation, we can build a skilled but also diverse and inclusive workforce.

Let's seize this opportunity to transform our industry for the better. Together, we can ensure that the UK construction sector remains a cornerstone of economic growth and infrastructure development.

Please reply or contact me directly at [email protected] or book a time to chat; here is a link to my diary https://lnkd.in/dJfj5-Ea

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The UK construction industry, a cornerstone of economic growth and infrastructure development, faces a looming crisis. A significant portion of its workforce is nearing retirement age, threatening a potential loss of 500,000 skilled workers in the coming years.

05/02/2025

Commercial Manager required for multimillion £ scheme in Oxford

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05/02/2025

Project Planner required in Guildford, Surrey

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04/02/2025

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out to the incredible women in construction and those considering a career in this dynamic field. I've been asked to gather insights on some crucial questions regarding women's experiences in the industry.

Your perspectives are incredibly valuable, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Here are some of the key topics I'm exploring:

• Barriers to Entry:
What specific challenges do you believe women face when entering the construction industry, particularly older women, those changing careers, or women from BAME backgrounds?

• Industry Flexibility:
How flexible do you perceive the construction industry to be in accommodating the diverse needs of women?

•Impactful Initiatives:
Reflecting on past initiatives to attract women into construction, such as funded qualifications, marketing campaigns, and pre-employment training, which offer the most potential for impact?

•Motivations for Joining:
What are the primary reasons that motivated you to join the construction industry?

•Competitive Industries:
Which sectors do you believe are the main competitors with construction when attracting women? Why do you think this is?

•Future Demand: Do you anticipate a rising demand for women in other sectors in the future, and what impact might this have on recruitment into construction?

Your insights on these questions would greatly help us understand how we can improve the sector.

Please share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments below.

Let's work together to build a more inclusive and diverse construction industry.

03/02/2025

Bid Director wanted!

Join a major international contractor based in Toronto.

Salary: Circa C$200k.

Apply now to take the next step in your career!

https://www.lechley.com/job-details/system-bid-director-in-preconstruction-jobs-1125138

03/02/2025

After facing challenges filling a crucial position for six months, an international client approached us.

Despite involving multiple agencies and conducting numerous interviews, success remained elusive. The issue?

Everyone was searching in the same pool, recycling the same candidates.

We decided to take a different approach:
✅ 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻-𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business, culture, and role.
✅ 𝗠𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁, focusing on targeted headhunting rather than just the obvious candidates.
✅ 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 – only two candidates, both perfectly suited.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁? One candidate was offered the role, and the entire process took less than a month.

The right hire isn’t always in plain sight—it often requires a 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 to discover them.

31/01/2025

Where will the next generation live?

The UK's housing supply is dwindling, with new home construction plummeting to a 10-year low.

Is this a crisis in the making?

In my latest newsletter, I delve into the reasons behind this alarming trend and consider the potential solutions.

Join the conversation: https://ow.ly/PYFh50UR3sF

17/12/2024

The Construction Industry is Evolving: Baby Boomers are going digital.

I’ve seen plenty of changes in construction recruitment, but this? A game-changer.

From narrowing tech gaps to reshaping workplace dynamics, Baby Boomers are breaking stereotypes and embracing digital tools. With data at our fingertips about the emerging trends of each generation. We must adjust our strategies to optimise our businesses.

At Lechley Associates, we’re adapting to this shift—are you?

How has digital transformation impacted your team? Share with us! 👇

13/12/2024

Let’s face it—procrastination gets the best of us. I myself sometimes find it difficult to concentrate, especially after a period of time off. Whether it's fear of failure, impulsive distractions, or simply not knowing where to start, we’ve all been there. The key is recognising the patterns and finding strategies that work
Here are 5 quick ways to fight procrastination:
1️⃣ Tackle the tough stuff first – Don’t let dreaded tasks loom over your day. Start with them and build momentum!
2️⃣ Plan ahead – Reduce decision fatigue by organizing your tasks and routine in advance.
3️⃣ Timebox your tasks – Work in focused blocks of time to create urgency and avoid overthinking.
4️⃣ Switch up your environment – Find a workspace that boosts your focus and minimizes distractions.
5️⃣ Visualise your future self – Picture the relief and success of completing your tasks—it’s a powerful motivator!

Procrastination is a habit, not a personality trait. With the right mindset and tools, you can make the most of your time. 🚀

Do you have any strategy for staying productive? I'd love to hear them.

11/12/2024

I can't believe it's already getting towards the end of 2024, years seem to go faster every time.

The start of a new year often feels like the perfect time to set ambitious resolutions for your career. But are they actually helpful for productivity and long-term success?

I was reading an article this weekend, and research shows that while 38% of people set resolutions related to their professional growth, only 9% stick to them by the year’s end.

Why? Overly ambitious or vague goals can lead to burnout or a lack of focus.

Here’s how to make resolutions work for your career:
1️⃣ Be Specific: Swap “I want a better job” for “I’ll apply to 2 new roles per week by February.”
2️⃣ Don't be "all or nothing": I can be guilty of this myself, one slip-up doesn’t mean failure! If you fall off track, acknowledge it and keep moving forward rather than abandoning your goals entirely. Consistency matters more than flawless ex*****on.
3️⃣ Stay Realistic: Prioritise consistent small changes over perfection—progress beats pressure. Set realistic milestones like learning a new skill or attending a networking event.
4️⃣ Stop setting "avoidance goals": Switch your goals to "approach goals" which involve adopting a new habit - instead of stopping a negative one. Research by Per Carlbring at Stockholm University showed that framing goals in this positive direction could make you 25% more likely to meet them.

Why not try making those small changes now instead of waiting for the 1st January? You'll have given yourself a head start and be on the right foot when you're back in the office after Christmas.

Resolutions can be a great motivator if approached with intention and balance. And if your resolutions are career focussed, at Lechley Recruitment we’re here to help you turn those career aspirations into achievable milestones.

What’s your take on New Year’s resolutions? Share your thoughts or your 2024 goals below!

10/12/2024

Okay, I'll admit it. When I first heard about "Good Growth," I rolled my eyes. Another buzzword, right?

But then I took the Good Growth Course at Lancaster University... and let's just say I had a major "aha!" moment.

Turns out, good growth isn't just about profits. It's about building a business that's good for the planet, good for your community, and good for your soul. (Yeah, I said soul.)

Want a sneak peek at what I learned? Here's one big takeaway:

Social value isn't just good karma; it can actually open doors to new opportunities. Intrigued? 😉

Read my latest blog post to discover more: see below

This year has been a whirlwind of learning and growth, and the Good Growth Course at Lancaster University was undoubtedly one of the highlights. Over the next few weeks, I'm planning to share some of the other valuable experiences and lessons I've gained this year.

10/12/2024

University leavers with a passion for building something incredible? The construction industry is booming, and there are fantastic opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you! ️

The world needs engineers, surveyors, project managers, and more to keep shaping the future. Here's why construction could be your perfect fit:

Make a Real Difference: See your work come to life and leave a lasting impact on communities. ️Diverse Opportunities: Explore specializations like sustainable building, digital construction, or even historic preservation. ♻️
Growth Potential: The industry offers excellent career paths with ongoing learning and development opportunities.

Don't have direct construction experience? No worries! Many companies offer fantastic graduate schemes and apprenticeships. Look for keywords like "graduate program" or "trainee" in your job search.

Here are some tips to land your dream construction job:

- Optimise your LinkedIn profile: Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and transferable skills (think problem-solving, communication, teamwork).
- Network with construction professionals: Connect with alumni, attend industry events, and reach out to companies you admire.
- Showcase your passion: Craft compelling cover letters and applications that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field.

Ready to build your future? Let's connect in the comments below! Share your area of interest and I can help you with resources and job postings. 👷🌟