PEW Electrical research warns specialist CPD provision is failing to keep pace with regulatory change
Posted by: electime 11th June 2026
Jason Clark
As regulatory requirements, sustainability and digital technologies continue to reshape the built environment, construction professionals have raised concerns that access to specialist training and professional development is struggling to keep pace.
The research, commissioned by PEW Electrical, found almost half (47%) of construction professionals believe limited access to specialised and accredited CPD opportunities is hindering the development of future skills needed, especially in specialist industries, such as vertical transport.
More than half (55%) pointed to a lack of career opportunities and apprenticeships, while 54% cited fragmented training provision and qualification pathways. The same proportion (54%) said insufficient employer investment was preventing the development of future skills.
While access to training remains a challenge, the findings also suggest that attitudes towards CPD may be holding the sector back, with nearly half (46%) identifying a low perception of professional development as one of the main barriers to upskilling professionals in the lift industry.
Reflecting these concerns, almost 1 in 5 (17%) believe the next generation of lift engineers and installers is poorly prepared for the future needs of the industry, while almost half (47%) said emerging professionals demonstrate only moderate levels of preparedness, with awareness of key issues but limited integration into day-to-day practice.
Beyond training and professional development, the research also highlights the importance of improving awareness and understanding of careers within the sector. More than half (54%) of respondents said negative perceptions of the industry are hindering retention efforts, while 41% believe they contribute directly to recruitment challenges.
Asked which competencies will be most important in futureproofing the vertical transport industry, respondents highlighted a range of emerging skills shaped by evolving regulation, building safety requirements and technological advancement.
Perhaps unsurprisingly in the fast-evolving regulatory landscape, fire safety engineering and regulatory literacy was identified as the most important future skill area by 34%, closely followed by Building Safety Act compliance and competence management (33%).
Product assurance, testing and traceability was selected by 28%, while a quarter (25%) highlighted the growing importance of AI and smart maintenance systems, reflecting the growing demand for accurate performance data, reporting and accountability across the built environment.
Respondents also identified sustainability and lifecycle carbon analysis (22%), as well as digital design, BIM and data integration (22%), as critical areas for future workforce development.
Despite the challenges, the research indicates that many organisations are already taking steps to strengthen expertise where the necessary skills aren’t available or fully developed in-house. Nearly half (46%) of respondents said they now employ a lift and escalator consultant, highlighting the growing role of specialist knowledge in navigating complex compliance, safety and performance requirements.
Commenting on the findings, Jason Clark, registered engineer and Chairman at PEW Electrical, said: “As buildings become more complex and expectations continue to evolve around building safety, data, sustainability and digitalisation, the skills required to support them are changing too.
“The industry clearly recognises where future skills are needed and outsources specialist expertise to fill the gaps, which is encouraging. And while the research highlights the breadth of areas urgently needing attention, it also speaks to the huge range of opportunities across the sector and the need for new entrants with varying skillsets and interests.
“However, investment in skills isn’t just about creating more training opportunities. It’s also about fostering a culture that values CPD. Learning shouldn’t just be viewed as something that happens at the start of a career, it needs to be embedded throughout it.
“We also need to do more to showcase the opportunities available within the sector, and to ensure young professionals don’t overlook vertical transport as a rewarding career destination. By improving awareness, strengthening training provision and supporting both new entrants and existing professionals, we can ensure the industry remains equipped to meet future demands.”
PEW Electrical is invested in protecting the future of the sector and supporting contractors, consultants, specifiers and engineers with a range of technical resources and specialist guidance designed to support system performance, energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.
To find out more about PEW Electrical, visit www.pewelectrical.com.
