The construction sector cannot simply refuse to take on new apprentices due to the economic situation if future skills shortages are to be avoided, warned the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force this week.
The CCATF, which aims to increase opportunities for young people interested in working in construction, is instead urging employers of all sizes to bite the bullet and take on apprentices as the new college year approaches.
Their concerns were highlighted by figures in a recent report by CITB-Construction Skills, which points to the fact that less and less young people are entering the industry. Survey results showed that the number of 16-19 year olds in the industry has fallen by 52% since 2008. Compounding the problem, 20% of the existing workforce is ten years or less off retirement.
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