The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is warning that the growing skills crisis in the building industry threatens Prime Minister David Cameron’s ambition to increase home ownership.

FMB’s latest trade survey revealed that 60% of small construction firms had struggled to hire bricklayers in the third quarter of this year, up from 49% in the previous quarter.

It also showed that 54% of firms had found it difficult to hire carpenters and joiners, up from 47% in the second quarter.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said it was not just house building and home ownership that were being hampered by the skills shortage.

“The future economic growth of our country relies on major infrastructure projects, such as HS2 and Hinkley Point, being built,” said Brian. 

“We urgently need to boost our workforce by convincing people – in their thousands – to return to our industry or join us for the first time.”

Brian added that the key to this was to address the severe shortfall in apprenticeships.

“The number of construction apprenticeships is insufficient and the on-going uncertainty surrounding the proposed Apprenticeship Levy is exacerbating the problem,” added Brian.

“What is very concerning is the fear that the proposed Apprenticeship Levy could deter employers from taking on apprentices at a time when we need them most.”

Brian concluded that to solve the skills crisis, the government needed to raise the status of vocational training in the country and promote the value of learning a skilled trade as a rewarding career.

Brian added: “For too long the emphasis has been too focused on going to university and, unfortunately, we are now seeing the result – too few skilled people to deliver the many building jobs that need to be done.”