When it was first launched in November 2023, the tool predicted 40,000 extra workers could be needed by 2028, taking into account retirements.
The ECITB’s updated forecast states that this figure remains unchanged, but indicates that peak demand has now shifted to 2030. Factors include delays in some projects that now coincide with other planned activity, along with an upcoming wave of possible retirements in key roles.
The LFT reveals the size of the overall ECI workforce could total more than 135,000 workers in five years’ time to meet demand, an increase of 19% on the current number of workers in industry.
The tool had previously stated there could be a 28% increase in demand for workers by 2028. This percentage decrease suggests industry has been recruiting successfully in the last two years to build the workforce needed for current and future projects.
In 2023, the estimated size of the ECI workforce was just over 101,000, but this has since increased by 13,000 to sit at 114,000 in 2025.
Should labour demand be met each year, the tool highlights that 2026 will be a pivotal year, with nearly 4,400 additional workers potentially needed next year.
Occupations most in demand will include mechanical fitters, electrical technicians, process engineers, project managers, pipefitters, welders and design technicians.
The latest predictions are the most detailed yet from the tool. It was updated using findings from the ECITB 2024 Workforce Census and publicly stated timescales on 3,000 active and future ECI projects.
Standard for small mobile access towers goes to second vote
We’ve been keeping you updated on the progress of a new European standard for low-height mobile working platforms, which covers platforms where the height is limited to a maximum of 2 metres. The standard is being created by CEN (the European Committee for Standardization) Technical Committee 53 Working Group 4, a team of tower experts convened by Don Aers, PASMA’s technical director.
At the time of our last update, back in April 2024, the group was making its way through feedback in preparation for a second ballot. That’s now complete (we told you it might be a lengthy process!) and the standard will shortly be sent out for the new vote, which runs from 17 April – 10 July. Each of the committee members (including the UK) will vote either in favour or against the standard.
As this is the second attempt to reach a consensus, the standard will likely be abandoned if the vote is negative. If it’s positive, it could be published later this year. Oh, and it also now has an official name – EN 17964. We’ll bring you another update after the vote.
