More and more concrete maintenance, fewer and fewer people

The Netherlands is bursting with concrete structures, many of which are 50 years old and have reached their original lifespan. Replacing all these structures is unfeasible, making life extension essential. This increases the demand for concrete maintenance, while the labor market is getting tighter. 

Scarcity in human capital

For more than a decade, the concrete maintenance industry has been struggling with personnel shortages, which is detrimental not only to companies but also to society as a whole. Just think of the consequences of delayed maintenance work, such as infrastructure outages that then affect us all. Despite companies relaxing job requirements to recruit staff, filling vacancies in concrete maintenance remains a challenge because of the specialized knowledge required. There are courses at the OTBS for Certified Concrete Repairers and at the Concrete Association to become Concrete Maintenance Experts, but applications are scarce. Few people choose concrete maintenance. After 27 years of teaching, I see a shift in the profile of participants in courses: from engineers with a construction background to lateral entrants. This increases the challenge of training.

Safety first

In concrete maintenance, a high level of technical skills is essential due to strict safety requirements and the focus on durability of structures and materials used. Staff shortages have a major impact, with projects being delayed or unable to start, leading to construction failures and emergency solutions requiring emergency repairs. While relaxing job requirements may provide a solution to the shortage of people, it is crucial that this not come at the expense of quality and safety.

Unfortunately, there is a gap between the required profiles in the market and the available college and university courses in the Netherlands. There are no courses with a specific focus on the maintenance of concrete structures. Concrete maintenance is often approached too one-sidedly from a structural point of view, while material-technological and practical aspects are also essential. Together we need to broaden this range of education to ensure an effective influx into the market.

Innovation as a necessity

Innovation is also essential as staff shortages persist. Staff shortages require working smarter rather than harder. Automation and digitization enable us to make do with fewer personnel. Advanced techniques and more durable materials also reduce the frequency and extent of maintenance required. Despite the progress, finding qualified personnel remains a challenge, so it is crucial to make concrete maintenance more attractive by highlighting how innovations make the work not only more efficient, but also more interesting. That image helps attract new talent.

At the same time, it is not only attracting new employees, but also preventing existing employees from leaving. Employers should offer attractive employment conditions and career prospects to encourage staff development and retention. Training, innovations and technologies are available to train both lateral entrants and current staff, but sustainable career prospects must be ensured.

Together for a healthy market

Continuity in assignments allows contractors to invest in their employees, which is essential for retaining and developing human capital. This contributes to a stable market that can handle demand for decades to come. By opening the front door and closing the back door, we create an attractive and resilient labor market that not only benefits workers, but also promotes stability and cost control. 

Together, let us promote the growth and development of all organizations, companies and workers involved. It is time to act and innovate to meet future demand.   

Column - Anthony van den Hondel – Director Cathodic Protection Advice