More apprenticeships and job-matching schemes among proposals to support construction skills.
Skills minister John Denham has announced details of a new package of measures designed to improve skills and boost employment in the construction industry.
In a speech to the Trades Union Congress, Mr Denham confirmed that the government has agreed a target with employers to create 42,000 new apprenticeships in the sector by 2012.
He also announced the establishment of a "Clearing House" in partnership with sector skills council Construction Skills that will pair up apprentices at risk of redundancy with companies in need of new staff to help ensure they finish their training.
In addition, the minister said the government would be forming a Construction Task Force with the industry's "major employers" and unions in order to improve training standards.
Furthermore, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills will work in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to develop a new Energy Efficient Employment Initiative.
The scheme will match redundant workers from the construction industry to jobs improving the energy efficiency of existing properties.
According to 2006 statistics from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, the construction industry employed around 1.21 million people in the UK
>>If you’re thinking how great it would be to better your English and maths skills then take a look at the all courses designed to suit your level.