Skill shortage of bricklayers in Scotland

Purpose This study identifies that bricklaying trade has not benefited much from off-site production, and been highlighted as a significantly affected by the documented skills shortage in Scotland with 66% of small medium enterprises reporting difficulties recruiting bricklayers. Design/methodology/approach used an interpretivistic philosophy adopting phenomenological qualitative research approach using purposeful sampling technique semi-structured interviews to allow for emergent themes develop. The theory proximal similarity connects study’s characteristics group under was adopted. Findings identified issues grouped into key such inconsistency income, lack care self-employed workforce. sub-themes included Scottish climate, risk profit, physical strain government expectations cost innovation. These were considered relation their existing future implications industry. Research limitations/implications A wider more diverse industry participants different parts would have made representative. Practical It is imperative construction supports, develops trains bricklayers capable maintaining housing stock deliver on projects Scotland. Originality/value explores skilled within sector.