A new survey has revealed that almost seven in 10 construction firms are planning to take on apprentices as confidence within the industry grows.

According to the latest Scottish Construction Monitor, 69% of companies said they expected to recruit apprentices within the next 12 months.

This is an increase of 60% of respondents from last year.

While confidence is increasing in the sector, there are however concerns regarding a lack of suitable candidates for the positions needed.

The latest Scottish Building Federation (SBF) monitor found its members' confidence in the sector increased for the fourth consecutive quarter, while three in four companies said there was demand for more apprentices to be hired in order to help the industry meet present and future needs.

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Vaughan Hart, SBF Managing Director, commented: "It's great to see industry confidence continuing to rise and, with that, an increasing number of companies that are looking to take on apprentices over the coming year.

"At the same time, an overwhelming majority of employers are concerned that we aren't taking on enough apprentices to meet current demands or future expectations.

"We need to see action at secondary and even primary school level to encourage more young people to think seriously about a career in construction and to make that a truly aspirational option for them."

He added: "We need to get the message across that there are exciting and rewarding long-term career opportunities in the construction industry and an apprenticeship is one of the best ways of pursuing that goal."

(JP/CD)