The Scottish Plant Owners Association has launched 'Breaking Ground' - a long term research programme aimed at developing a better understanding of how the plant sector can attract, develop and retain the workforce it needs for the future.

Breaking Ground will take an evidence-led approach, gathering insight from people both within and outside the industry to better understand where opportunities for change exist. The programme will begin with an examination of women’s participation in the plant sector, exploring perceptions of the industry, routes into plant careers, recruitment, workplace experiences, retention and progression.

This first phase will seek perspectives not only from women currently working within the industry, but also from women outside the sector, men working within the industry, employers, young people and organisations involved in education and career development.

Breaking Ground is led by SPOA VP, Gail McEwen, with the Women in Plant research developed alongside Carly Finley and SPOA’s Women in Plant group.

“The SPOA is really excited about this research. We know there are workforce and skills challenges within our industry, and we know that women remain significantly underrepresented, but simply producing yet another report concluding that we need more women in the industry doesn’t tell us what we should actually do about it. We need to understand why," said Gail McEwen.

“Women in plant is where Breaking Ground begins, but it isn’t where it ends. Not everything we learn through this first phase will be unique to women. The findings will help us identify wider questions around how our industry attracts, develops and retains people and where further research is needed.

“Ultimately, we want Breaking Ground to give the SPOA and the wider industry an evidence base from which we can develop practical actions that support a sustainable, skilled workforce capable of capitalising on the opportunities ahead.”

SPOA is therefore seeking participation from as broad a range of people as possible. Alongside those already working within plant and the wider construction industry, the Association wants to hear from people outside the sector and is encouraging engagement from the wider business community, schools, colleges and organisations working with young people.

The initial Breaking Ground survey is open until the end of the year and can be accessed here.

https://www.spoa.org.uk/