With AI disrupting traditional, office-based career pathways, many Gen Zs are now exploring alternative futures – choosing to pursue skilled trades instead of degree-level training. And construction is a key area of consideration, according to a recent report. But is your SME set up to train, support and safeguard this new wave of workers in a way that’s modern, compliant and built for long-term success? If you don’t have online compliance training, you might be at a disadvantage.

Compliance processes must appeal to the next generation

These new recruits will arrive with expectations around digital tools, flexible training options and meaningful work. Having grown up in the age of apps, they expect the same immediacy, clarity and interactivity from workplace training too.

That’s where many UK construction SMEs risk falling short with their mandatory health and safety training. Traditional toolbox talks and paper-based inductions no longer cut it. To engage new recruits and protect your business, your onboarding processes must be safe, structured and – importantly – digitally delivered.

Mandatory online training: your first line of defence

You already know construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the UK. This means compliance courses aren’t just a nice-to-have, they’re essential. Any business bringing in younger or less experienced staff must be especially vigilant. Skipping mandatory compliance training can lead to accidents, penalties and reputational damage.

Specific areas of focus will depend on your services, but might include courses that raise awareness about working in confined spaces, speeding on site and head protection.

And don’t forget, it’s not just site workers who need training; all employees – even those in admin roles – should be equipped with the right knowledge. As well as more general workplace health and safety training, you should also be training all employees in manual handling, fire safety, COSHH awareness, risk assessment and GDPR.

Looking for a safe onboarding checklist?

This checklist will help ensure your business stays compliant:

✅  Conduct digital onboarding health and safety induction training for new employees, before their first day on site.

✅  Assign relevant mandatory courses to each new starter.

✅  Ensure all employees complete relevant online assessments and receive certifications within a specified timeframe.

✅  Log completions in your LMS and flag any gaps for follow-up.

✅  Run refresher courses every 6-12 months or after incidents/near misses.

✅  Embed safety culture into toolbox talks and day-to-day site activities.

✅  Make sure you stay up to date with the latest industry regulations, legislative changes and trade certification requirements to ensure full compliance across all areas of your business.

A construction-friendly online training provider

To stay competitive, construction businesses must move from using outdated systems to offering streamlined, digital-first compliance training. An easy-to-use L&D platform designed for small businesses can be a game-changer. You can assign courses before day one, automate reminders and track completions – all in one place. This not only saves time but ensures your business remains compliant.

Staff Skills academy+ offers a UK-based LMS, complete with ready-made compliance content tailored for trades and construction teams. There are also hundreds of additional personal and professional development courses, and a Wellbeing hub to ensure your workforce performs at its mental and physical best. All courses are CPD certified, and some are RoSPA assured too! Our LMS is a practical way to ensure your team is prepared, your operations compliant, and your business positioned for long-term success.

If you’d like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you – book a call with us today!