Doctoral Studentship Modelling the construction industry labour market



Closing Date 1st of September 2013, Start Date: 1st October 2013

Context and Background

The UK construction sector needs a well trained workforce capable of delivering a low carbon future. Achieving this requires an understanding of the skills required by companies both now and in the future. This industry-based doctoral studentship, a partnership between Loughborough University and CITB (a partner in ConstructionSkills the Sector Skills Council for Construction) aims to better inform demand and supply side forecasts for skills policy making. It offers an excellent opportunity for the successful applicant to conduct applied labour market research within an industry setting, and to generate outputs with immediate downstream application and policy influence.

Research Project Aims and Objectives

CITB is seeking to enhance understanding of the construction sectors labour supply side activity, specifically, the level and detail of training provision in the UK and how this maps on to demand side requirements. This information will provide an informed view of the adequacy and sufficiency of skills provision as part of the Sector Skills Council footprint and will inform overall decision making linked to the provision of construction‑related training across the UK. The aims and objectives of the research are to:

  • analyse secondary sources of data in order to develop a state-of-the-art review of demand side characteristics;
  • collect primary data on labour supply side characteristics from training providers and other skills agencies;
  • explore the implications of extraneous influences on skills demand and supply, particularly those relating to new construction technologies and those associated with incoming low carbon policies; and to
  • model supply side data as a basis for informing future policy interventions.

About the Research & Development Department

The successful applicant will join a team of seven research staff who have responsibility for the delivery of an annual research programme of around 20 projects and the production of other business related intelligence. This position will provide the successful candidate with the chance to work on a series of major research projects that will inform Government policy on important decisions relating to the future of skills funding.

Suitable Candidates

This doctoral studentship is open to graduates with a background in economics, business or construction. The candidate needs to be articulate, well qualified and highly motivated. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and relevant experience. Successful completion will lead to the award of an Engineering Doctorate (Eng.D).

Successful applicants receive an enhanced tax-free stipend of £19,000 p.a. and a generous training allowance. The stipend may be higher for experienced graduates. Tuition fees will be paid at home/EU student rates. Due to Tier 4 visa restrictions on industry placements, this is only available to UK/EU applicants.

The successful candidate will be located within Construction Skills’ head office in Bircham Newton, Norfolk whilst also attending Loughborough University as required.

Please note: previous applicants need not apply.

For further details please visit www.cice.org.uk or click Apply below to apply online.

For an informal discussion contact Professor Andrew Dainty a.r.j.dainty@lboro.ac.uk or Professor Stephen Ison s.g.ison@lboro.ac.uk

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