How important are professionalism and professional standards in modern construction? Read RLB’s Chief Digital Officer, Matt Sharp’s thoughts on this very topic including how companies create a framework for digital transformation and how they upskill their workforce.
The Evolution of Technology in Construction
Construction has traditionally been a hands-on industry, emphasising physical craftsmanship and manual labour. More recently, digital tools have started to play a much more prominent role, with the rise of digital twins, AI-powered design software, and machine learning algorithms changing how projects are envisioned and executed.
Digital transformation is accelerating as more companies realise the fantastic potential offered by AI and data driven decision making. AI’s potential to disrupt entire sectors on a phenomenal scale means that it has become essential for businesses to adapt quickly to stay competitive. This all results in an industry where the demand for skilled professionals who can understand and navigate digital tools is more significant than ever.
Yet integrating these technologies also brings new challenges — one of the most critical being the need for professionalism and clear ethical standards. As new tools are adopted, having well trained, respected professionals who can use these tools effectively and responsibly becomes essential.
A Framework for Digital Transformation
In addition to working to represent BCS on the Construction Industry Council, RLB has also established an AI Council as part of its digital strategy. This council comprises professionals from various disciplines, including legal, compliance, business and IT, and it plays a vital role in ensuring that AI is used ethically. This interdisciplinary approach is essential in construction, where decisions often impact people’s lives, communities, and the built environment.
Just because AI is capable of doing something doesn’t mean it should. Professional standards in construction must evolve to ensure that AI-made decisions align with ethical principles. Professionalism and ethics must be incorporated into every aspect of the industry, from the use of AI to the way data is handled and analysed.
Upskilling the Workforce
One of the most significant barriers to embracing new technologies in construction is the skills gap. Many workers in the industry need more digital expertise to effectively use AI, data analytics, and other advanced tools. As the industry increasingly integrates digital technologies, upskilling is critical to maintaining professionalism.
Businesses must take the opportunity to invest in their people to prepare for the digital future. This can be done through training programs, partnerships with educational organisations, and initiatives like the apprenticeship levy, which can be used to fund upskilling efforts. For example, RLB collaborates with Multiverse, a digital skills provider offering AI, data analysis, and digital transformation courses. This helps employees develop the necessary skills and prepares the company for future challenges.
Construction companies should focus on the technical and transformational aspects of digital skills to bridge the skills gap. Professionals must think critically about how digital tools can drive business improvements and help companies succeed.
Professionalism, Certification and Standards
In the construction industry, professionals often gain respect through accreditation from institutions like the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). These certifications demonstrate a certain level of expertise and commitment to professional standards. The prevalence of digital technology in
construction means a growing need for a similar professional framework for IT and digital professionals in the industry.
This could help foster tremendous respect for their role in shaping the industry’s future and ensure their expertise is held in the same regard as traditional construction professionals. One solution is to ensure that digital construction professionals are certified as Chartered IT Professionals (CITP). Becoming chartered enables an IT professional to demonstrate expert IT competence, professionalism, technical knowledge, and a significant commitment to the industry.
RLB is currently encouraging all of its IT leaders to attain CITP status.
Professionalism in the construction industry is not just about adhering to technical standards, it’s about ensuring that the people driving digital transformation are respected as experts, their skills are continually developed, and their work is aligned with the industry’s broader values.
Professionalism will be the key to ensuring that the construction industry remains forward thinking, responsible, and successful.
This is an abridged version of an article that appeared on the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT’s website.
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