The construction sector is calling for further government support to allow it to create more apprenticeships and boost skills among workers.
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) claims that the government has a responsibility to increase skills within the sector by boosting the number of trainees available to construction firms.
The request comes in response to new research by the Cross-industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force. This shows that a skills gap could emerge in the sector as a result of the shortage of apprenticeship schemes available to train up the next generation of building experts.
The HBF’s head of communications, Steve Turner, said that failing to invest in future skills and qualifications for trainees will result in a shortage in the housing supply, as well as in the skills needed for the construction industry to flourish once more. Turner explained, "If the government is serious about increasing housing supply, we have got to ensure that we have got the skills required in the future to do that.”
"The industry has a part to play in that but, most certainly, the government has a part to play in that," he added.
Turner went on to claim that in order to fulfill the "very challenging agenda" that lies ahead, a skilled workforce is essential and that the government should lend a helping hand in the form of financial support for firms that are keen to offer NVQs and other vocational staff training and qualifications.
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