Speaking on an FMB podcast, Sir John highlighted the need for more skilled construction workers to help accelerate new housing delivery.

"The government has these plans to build houses,” said Sir John.

“You've got to have people to do that, and that means equipping people with the necessary skills.”

Sir John, an advocate of apprenticeships during his ministerial career, said that licensing accreditations were needed to raise professionalisation standards and better protect consumers, particularly the most vulnerable.

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“If in order to trade, you have to be able to show a level of professionalism, a degree of competence, that means that people won't end up being cheated,” he suggested.

The FMB has welcomed this endorsement, with CEO Brian Berry warning that more needs to be done to protect both homeowners and reputable builders.

“A staggering £14.3bn has been lost to rogue traders over the last five years,” said Brian.

“A mandatory licensing scheme of building companies is the only way to protect homeowners and reputable builders.”