Construction’s First Impressions

Introduction

‘Construction’s First Impressions’ has been developed with Partners to improve the image of the industry, by ensuring that the appearance of construction sites create an excellent first impression.

The aim of this initiative is to re-purpose the use and understanding of hoardings, so they can be used as advertising for the site, the company and the industry.

The construction industry is set to double its output over the next 20 years and there is a need to make the sector as appealing as possible, as a career option to all.

The construction industry has a huge impact on the UK population and therefore should do all it can to present itself in the best way with construction sites being the main interaction between the industry and the public. Ensuring sites are presented in a clear, professional, well-managed way will help to demonstrate that the construction industry is a good place to work and encourage people to enter the industry.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme supports the promise to potential new starters that they will be working in a professional industry. Therefore, the Scheme has created a strategy over five years focusing on each element of the Code of Considerate Practice; Appearance, Community, Environment, Safety and Workforce.

Unfortunately, there are still some sites that are letting the industry down in terms of the appearance of their sites, vehicles and workforce.

The industry needs to understand their audience. The entrance to a site and the enclosures are a window into the site, project and company. Consideration needs to be given to whether you would walk past and think – is this an industry I would want to work for?

As part of this Construction’s First Impressions initiative, we also asked Scheme Monitors to provide pictures of sites which are already promoting a positive industry image.

These photos will continue to be added to the CCS First Impressions Instagram account.

Please promote your own images of construction industry appearance on Instagram using #firstimpressions and make sure that you tag the Scheme ccsfirstimpressions

Conclusion

All Scheme-registered sites, companies and suppliers should work towards meeting at least the basic standards highlighted in the four modules above.

In summary, efforts should be made to ensure that exterior signage is clear, concise and attractive to passers-by and potential future industry talent. Promoting career opportunities can help to raise awareness and understanding of the roles available and encourage a diverse population in the UK to consider a career in construction. Hoardings should ‘sell’ the project in a positive way, including the benefits that the site will bring to the local community. Finally, sites should aim to promote their economic, environmental and social performance to the general public, to demonstrate all of the amazing work that they are carrying out.

Through caring for the appearance and ensuring that sites are professional, tidy, organised and well-managed, this will promote a positive image of the industry and help to continuously erase any negative stereotypes or old-fashioned views and opinions relating to construction.

Whilst Scheme Monitors will not mark down sites which do not introduce the items or ideas from Construction’s First Impressions, they equally will not score sites with the highest scores where something has not been done to address at least the ethos of this initiative to improve the image of the industry.

Site managers should take the time to look at their site’s appearance and consider what they could do to improve and make their site look more professional, from the ideas listed throughout the modules.

The common aim for everyone is to work together to continuously improve the overall image of the construction industry.

Follow the Scheme on Instagram to see and/or share ‘Construction’s First Impressions’ images @ccsfirstimpressions