The trade body is putting forward a three-pronged approach to address a skillset shortfall, citing recent data that 42% of SME builders have reported delays due to skilled labour shortages.

FMB’s latest ‘State of Trade’ survey also found that 33% of members are struggling to recruit bricklayers, with 37% unable to find the carpenters and joiners they need.

As a result, the FMB is calling for the government to produce a construction skills plan to set out a long-term delivery schedule for vocational skills.

In addition, the trade body wants a minimum competence standard to be set for building companies and to work with the industry to create clear training pathways for prospective builders.

This plea is being made after FMB CEO Brian Berry visited a Constructionarium site, a not-for-profit that delivers education and vocational training for the construction industry.

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“The skills gap isn't just holding back individual businesses – it's undermining our collective ability to build the homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure this country urgently needs,” added Brian.

“Facilities like Constructionarium exemplify the innovative approaches we need to champion across the country."

The Constructionarium site in King’s Lynn, over 19 acres, included a replica of the Gherkin skyscraper for students to experience real-world building projects.

Julia Stevens, managing director of Constructionarium, added: “Visits like these provide a valuable opportunity to showcase our unique, experiential learning approach, where students at all levels take on the challenge of delivering scaled construction projects to a client.

“Our immersive and fast-paced training environment benefits not only students but also industry partners, many of whom incorporate Constructionarium into their early careers inductions and team-building programs.”