The shortage of construction workers was underlined by Taylor Woodrow, one of Britain's biggest developers and parent company of Bryant Homes which built the Lark Rise housing complex in Colchester.
Alec Luhaste, human resources director warned: "The country cannot afford to underestimate the number and types of skills required by the construction industry, nor the growing and potentially severe problem of skill shortages that an increase in output will produce."
In its efforts to tackle the shortage, the company is offering a variety of schemes to attract and retain young people looking to set foot on the construction career ladder. More than 200 young people currently take part in schemes for 18 to 20-year-olds in such fields as plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying and painting.
As well as on-site training, the youngsters also attend college for NVQ qualifications.
The company also provides bursaries for university students to take part in paid work programmes during their summer vacations.
Published Monday August 23, 2004
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