‘Desperate need’ for apprentices is reason for UK construction skills shortage

Growth in the UK construction industry has been restricted by a lack of learners and young people entering into construction-based apprenticeships. Whilst the construction industry on the whole is seeing a rise in contracts and an injection of energy since the most recent financial downturn, smaller contractors and independent businesses are witnessing a skills shortage that’s been repeatedly highlighted throughout the past year. The struggle increases as more young people are committing themselves to full-time further education.

Just 7000 apprenticeships completed in 2013

Whilst it’s been estimated by experts that around 35,000 new apprentices are needed to cope with the rise in demand in the industry, this doesn’t take into account professionals set to retire each year. In 2013 just 7000 apprentices completed their training. The graphic above shows the percentage of firms in areas across the UK who have been negatively impacted by the skills shortage and the related areas of construction expertise.

Read more about Skills and Education in the construction industry in CMO Magazine.