The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is calling for more apprentices after predicting 232,000 jobs will be created in the next five years.

The CITB’s Construction Skills Network Report forecasts annual construction growth of 2.5% between 2016 and 2020 driven by infrastructure and private housing.

It said output in housebuilding is expected to return to pre-recession levels by the end of 2020 reaching £26bn with growth in the UK set to be fourth in Europe with British builders outstripping those in Germany, France and Spain.

In response, the CITB is launching a series of new partnerships with local and regional training providers to make sure the right training takes place.

Steve Radley, Director of Policy of the CITB board, said: “We can’t build the Britain we want without growing apprenticeships and the careers they lead onto.

“That’s why it is vital that these new statistics, showing solid, sustained growth, inspire more people join the construction industry.

“We also want to attract workers who have left the industry to return, and upskill those currently in the sector, so we can deliver major projects and new housing faster and better.”

Employment Minister Priti Patel added that it is a fantastic time to take up apprenticeships and gain practical experience.

“We’ve got Britain building again with a 25% increase in the number of new homes delivered over the past year alone and construction workers are benefiting from growing wages too – giving families the security of a regular paycheck,” said Priti.
 
“Today’s report highlights the great opportunities on offer for people to take advantage of the three million new apprenticeships this government is delivering.”