The construction industry is evolving rapidly, with a pressing need for skilled professionals across all sectors, however, while much of the focus is on trade skills, one critical area of expertise is often overlooked—temporary works design, and this is where construction training needs to focus. The UK Chancellor’s recent £600m pledge to train 60,000 skilled construction workers is a positive step toward addressing labour shortages. 

Temporary works, such as scaffolding, formwork, shoring, and excavation support, are essential to the success and safety of nearly every construction project. Yet, despite their importance, many Engineers and construction professionals receive little to no formal training in this field, often learning on the job rather than through structured education.

What Are Temporary Works & Why Do They Matter?

Temporary works refer to structures or systems used during construction to support permanent works or ensure site safety and efficiency. Once construction is complete, these structures are removed. Despite their temporary nature, they are critical for stability, efficiency, and worker safety.

Common examples of temporary works include:

 ✅ Scaffolding – Provides access and safety for workers at height.
 ✅ Formwork & Falsework – Supports concrete structures until they gain strength.
 ✅ Shoring – Prevents collapse of excavation sites and trenches.
 ✅ Cranage & Lifting Equipment – Enables safe movement of heavy materials.
 ✅ Temporary Bridges & Walkways – Facilitates movement across sites.
 ✅ Cofferdams & Temporary Dams – Allows for construction in waterlogged environments.

The Growing Skills Gap in Temporary Works & How Current Construction Training Effects This

The lack of formal construction training in temporary works design has become a significant challenge for the construction industry. Despite its critical role, many engineers struggle to find structured pathways to specialise in this field. Some of the biggest challenges include:

❌ Limited University & Apprenticeship Coverage – Most engineering degrees and apprenticeships do not include dedicated modules on temporary works, leaving graduates unprepared.
 ❌ On-the-Job Learning – Engineers often gain expertise in temporary works through experience rather than formal education, which can lead to inconsistent knowledge.
 ❌ Perception Issues – Some junior engineers fear that specialising in temporary works may limit their career growth, despite its importance.
 ❌ Shortage of Specialists – With few structured training pathways, the industry lacks a strong pipeline of professionals specialising in temporary works.

How Can We Bridge the Gap?

If the UK construction sector wants to build safely and efficiently while attracting top engineering talent, it must address the skills gap in temporary works design. As a recruitment agency specialising in the built environment, we see firsthand how difficult it is for employers to find skilled professionals in this area. To close this gap, we need:

🔹 Targeted Training & Funding – Investment in dedicated courses and qualifications for temporary works design.
 🔹 University & Apprenticeship Curriculum Development – Temporary works should be a core part of engineering and construction education.
 🔹 Industry Collaboration – Employers, training providers, and professional bodies must work together to develop structured learning pathways.
 🔹 Upskilling & CPD Opportunities – Companies should encourage and fund Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in temporary works.
 🔹 Accreditation & Recognition – Engineers specialising in temporary works deserve formal recognition, ensuring their skills are valued.

The Role of Recruitment in Closing the Skills Gap

At Bennett & Game Recruitment, we help construction and engineering firms find skilled professionals across all specialisms. However, the shortage of temporary works specialists is a growing concern. By raising awareness and advocating for better training, we can help bridge the gap between talent supply and industry demand.

Our Principal Recruitment Consultant and Civil Engineering Recruitment Specialist Sam Lebbon says “I’ve spoken to a lot of experienced temporary works engineers who say it’s one of the most varied, fast-paced, and rewarding areas of civil and structural engineering. Yet, many junior engineers hesitate to specialise in it, worrying they’ll be pigeonholed early in their careers.

The reality? Temporary works plays a crucial role of safety, efficiency, and innovation across almost every project. It offers exposure to a huge range of challenges, often at a much faster pace than traditional design roles and exposure to a huge variety or work.”

Support the Movement!

Want to see temporary works included in professional training and accreditation? Sign the petition on the change.org website.

Let's ensure temporary works specialists receive the training, recognition, and opportunities they deserve.

Are you a company struggling to hire temporary works Engineers? Or an Engineer looking to break into this critical but often overlooked field? Get in touch with our specialist recruitment team today or visit our industries page to browse our current Civil Engineering and Construction jobs.