Calls for construction industry to attract young talent

Ministers have called upon the construction industry to remove barriers and work to get more young people to consider a career in construction.

Skills Minister Nick Boles and Housing Minister Brandon Lewis have asked the construction industry to examine whether current business models are limiting the industry from developing the skills it needs.

This includes calls to develop an action plan to address skills pressures and other constraints that could be limiting housebuilding and infrastructure development.

The Construction Leadership Council will review what skills the industry needs to provide the homes that the UK needs, as well as look at how the industry can encourage more investment in new ways of working.

Brandon Lewis said: “The number of new homes is up 25 per cent in the last year – and this is further proof we’ve got the country building again and delivering the homes the nation wants.

“This means thousands of jobs are now up for grabs and we’re determined to make sure that there are enough skilled workers to get the job done.

“Construction offers an exciting and rewarding career and we need to build a new generation of home grown talented, ambitious and highly skilled construction workers.”

Nick Boles said: “The government is committed to getting Britain building. We are investing in measures to cut red tape and increase the number of young people doing apprenticeships and traineeships to ensure we have a pipeline of skilled workers.

“As leaders in the industry, the Council is best placed to advise on how to boost productivity in the sector and build the houses and infrastructure our nation needs.”