Calls for construction firms to take on more apprentices

Construction firms should take on more apprentices, the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) has said.

According to the body, legislation could be brought in by the Government to ensure that more companies train would-be workers in the sector.

It is 'irrelevant' that there are few women in the industry when there are not enough places for prospective construction workers of either sex, a spokesperson stated.

Last year, out of 50,000 applicants only 7,000 people were hired as apprentices by construction firms.

However, the Government has forecast that by 2010, 650,000 people will need to be trained in construction skills.

The UCATT spokesperson called on the industry to make this a 'priority' issue.

'Employers have got to be forced to take on apprentices. They do not want to at the moment,' the spokesperson remarked, adding: 'We are looking for a mixture of legislation and regulation.'