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SPOA launches initiative to aid workforce retention in the plant sector

The Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has launched Breaking Ground, a long-term research programme examining how the plant sector can attract, develop and retain the workforce it needs in the future.

The initiative will take an evidence-led approach, gathering views from people inside and outside the industry rather than starting with assumptions about the causes of workforce and skills shortages or predetermined solutions.

The first phase, Women in Plant, will examine perceptions of the sector, routes into plant careers, recruitment, workplace experiences, retention and progression.

SPOA plans to gather views from women currently working in the industry, women outside the sector, men working in plant, employers, young people and organisations involved in education and career development. The research has been developed using academic research principles, with the aim of understanding people’s experiences before identifying potential barriers or opportunities.

Breaking Ground is being led by Gail McEwen, Vice President of SPOA, with the initial Women in Plant research developed alongside Carly Finley and the association’s Women in Plant group.

The programme was formally launched at SPOA’s Aberdeen Area Meeting in September, which was attended by more than 140 representatives from across the Scottish plant industry.

McEwen said the research was intended to establish why women remain underrepresented in the sector and identify practical responses based on the evidence gathered.

“The important thing is that we don’t decide what the intervention should be before we understand the problem,” she said.

Although Women in Plant is the starting point for Breaking Ground, SPOA says the findings will also help identify wider questions around workforce recruitment, development and retention, as well as areas requiring further research.

The association is seeking contributions from people working in plant and construction, as well as those outside the sector. Schools, colleges, the wider business community and organisations working with young people are also being encouraged to participate.

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