This would target pupils before they choose GCSE options, after new research revealed 33% of Londoners would be more likely to enter construction if they met a successful tradesperson.

This is above the UK average of 29% and more than 30% of those who ask for better careers advice at school.

 "A third of Londoners say meeting a successful tradesperson would change their minds - so put one in front of them,” said Tom Peardon, London director at the FMB.

“Every London school should be able to bring a working builder into a classroom before pupils choose their options."

Build Academy, which is a collaborative pilot between the FMB, Shooters Hill Sixth Form College and the CITB, places young Londoners into apprenticeships with small building firms.

•   The Finance Professional Show 2025: The Video
•   Builder shortage fuels homeownership fears across the UK
•   Lib Dems: Free small housebuilders from planning permission

This summer the program and partners reached year 8 pupils at the Chelmsford Skills Festival, 16 to 25-year-olds at the London Construction Futures Fair and 16 to 19-year-olds at an open day at the Wanstead campus.

Pupils at Chelmsford played a teamwork-based game introducing them to the problem-solving of site work; at the Futures Fair the program's director talked through the routes to qualifying; and at the open day students met both FMB members and the first Build Academy cohort.

Sunny Bamra, program director at Build Academy, added: "One of the biggest challenges we face as an industry is sparking that initial interest in young people.

“It's particularly challenging on the small business front — unless someone has a family member who is a builder, it's not a career people aim for.

“That's why it's vital we get Build Academy in front of young people, showcasing a route into the industry and helping them meet role models to aspire to."