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Software that calculates the skills and labour required on the lifetime of a construction project h

The Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) is a web-based application designed to help construction companies manage their labour needs and meet project deadlines. It can also be used to quantify community benefits from development projects during and after construction – potentially useful in the planning process.

The only information required to use the LFT is the project type, its value or gross floor area and start and end dates. Forecasts are provided on a month-by-month basis for 26 trades and professions, and are continuously calibrated as soon as new data becomes available.
The LFT has been developed by CITB (GB) in collaboration with Whole Life Consultants, the entrepreneurial arm of the University of Dundee.

Barry Neilson, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI Chief Executive said: “The LFT is an exciting development which builds upon our Sector Skills Council ability to forecast skills and employment needs. It provides users with real data which has been created based upon a sound methodology and backed up by actual project information which will ensure the skills and training requirement on construction projects are realistic”.

“The LFT can generate tailor made reports identifying skills needs on a month by month basis. For example it could tell you how many roofers, plumbers and electricians you would need on a hospital building project, and when they would be needed. This has clear benefits in terms of having the labour with the right skills in place at the right time.”

The LFT will benefit local government bodies, councils, developers, housing associations and contractors in planning future work. For more information on the LFT contact Katrina Clarke by email at: katrina.clarke@citbcsni.org.uk