The Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) has welcomed a report from a committee of MSPs saying the industry must tackle longstanding challenges such as skill training, diversity and a general resistance to change in the sector.

The Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee inquiry into Scotland's construction sector urged industry partners to consider a sector specific approach to apprenticeship frameworks to address an ageing workforce, skills shortages and lack of diversity in the construction workforce.

Rohan Bush, Head of Public Partnerships and Future Workforce at CSIC said: "The report highlights many of the current issues such as low productivity, lack of research and development, low investment in innovation and a skills shortage. These issues cannot be addressed by the industry working in isolation, which is why CSIC’s collaborative initiatives are vital to help to drive change.

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"The recent FUTUREquipped project led by CSIC and the Digital Health & Care Institute is just one of a number of initiatives helping to prepare Scotland’s future workforce for the myriad of challenges and opportunities already inherent in the fast-paced digital and technical revolution we’re experiencing.

"This pilot project explored a range of ways that colleges and Innovation Centres can work together to support business innovation by working with industry to upgrade and future-proof skills training and workforce development in the key areas of construction and engineering, health and care, and information technology.

"Other collaborative programmes such as Immersive Learning and Offsite Ready are also helping to drive forward a much-needed change in the industry's approach to skills development and embracing digital technologies, alongside others such as CITB’s Digital Learning Fund which will also open up further opportunities in the sector."