A new skills manifesto that calls for Government support in boosting construction skills and helping employers to prepare for the upturn has been released today by CITB - ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industrial Training Board for the construction industry.

The report, "Shaping Tomorrow', uses sector skills intelligence to show where skills are needed and what needs to be done to make sure that the industry has the right skills in the right place at the right time.

The skills report also explores ways that those in power should support the sector as it emerges from recession to a changed political landscape. It calls upon Government to:

• Champion apprenticeships as the best vocational route available: keeping the entry route front of mind for employers, local authorities and students.
• Support funding for 19+ trainees: currently funding is only available for 16-19 year olds, creating a major barrier for older recruits to access training.
• Maintain public sector investment until the private sector picks up: Construction is forecast to remain in recession until at least 2011 – steady public sector investment is crucial to its recovery.
• Champion apprentices as the best vocational route available: with a stipulation in the procurement process for public sector projects to commit to training.
• Adequately fund adult skills: investment must be made in the future skills of the workforce if the changing needs of society are to be met – particularly as the economy aims to reduce its carbon output.
• Support ConstructionSkills’ “cut the carbon” campaign: ensure the whole supply chain understands the changes a low carbon economy will have on their businesses.

ConstructionSkills Chief Executive Mark Farrar commented: Construction is one of the UK’s most important industries and its success is central to economic vitality. Three million people work in the construction supply chain and it accounts for eight per cent of British GDP. Regardless of which political party is in power, a well-trained, diverse and safe construction industry will be central to economic recovery.

"Helping workers to access funding at various stages of their career, support for bringing new talent to the industry and maintaining investment in public building programmes are all crucial if we are to ensure the effective recovery and growth of the industry. We hope this manifesto will explain not only why, but how policy makers can support us."

(GK)