A selection of readers’ comments about news and issues in the industry from across the CIOB community and social media
In response to Craig Bell’s article: Subsidising declining apprenticeship numbers just isn’t the answer
I agree that the problem has been caused by failed government policies and lack of foresight. However, the shortage of young people wanting to work in our industry is not confined to the UK. I retired about 20 years ago and moved to Spain to build my dream home. I was the third generation of my family to work in the construction industry, but I will be the last as none of my children or grandchildren are interested. My Spanish and German friends tell me there is a lack of young people entering the industry in their countries. Perhaps the government should consider lowering the retirement age and reducing taxation for those people who work in essential industries like construction. We need policies that encourage young people to want to have careers that benefit society.
Alan Chapman
This is 20 years too late. Bring back the technical colleges and staff them with tradespersons (probably retired). This is the UK’s last chance, before the people with the existing skills just die out.
Nigel Thomason
A very good and considered article, which I totally agree with. May I add that it should be the main contractor’s responsibility to train apprentices, not the little “trade contractors” many of whom employ apprentices merely to obtain work. Long-term benefits must be invested in, with no early payback.
Anthony Callaghan
In response to Rod Sweet’s article: Meet the prisoners building homes
This is a fantastic scheme and something that the Labour government should be looking into rather than just letting criminals be released early without any plan for them. Construction is a good source of work for male criminals and this could also be used for female prisoners in the future. This can assist with the shortage of workers we currently have in the construction industry. Really enjoyed this podcast.
Garrett Fitzgerald
In response to Nicky Roger’s article: Skills charity to launch workforce competence platform
Ever since Harold Wilson changed the age of majority the building industry has never been able to produce training that equals the original five years’ apprenticeship. You have got to start thinking outside the box to train people properly or no one will be viewed as “being competent” any more. Then we will depend on self-taught geniuses who know everything, but actually very little. I spent my whole life in building, but I still came up against something new. Even with my five-year apprenticeship!
Nicholas Everett
