Construction firms in the South continue to encounter more difficulties in recruiting skilled staff than any other sector of industry.

A survey for Lloyds TSB revealed 62 per cent of companies faced recruitment problems during the second half of last year, compared with 59 per cent in the previous six months.

This contrasts sharply with the business services and manufacturing sectors, where just 42 per cent and 40 per cent respectively reported similar problems.

Greater Brighton Construction Training (GBCT) places apprentices with almost 130 employers across the South.

Managing director Denzil Slumbers said more needed to be done to encourage young people into vocational training and promote apprenticeships among potential employers.

He said: "Companies are desperate for skilled workers and many resort to poaching them from other contractors.

"Significant numbers of young people are now acquiring skills through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme but, as the apprenticeships take three or four years, employers have to invest time and effort in these youngsters before they can start to reap the benefits.

"Unfortunately, the construction trade is still regarded by some as a 'last resort' sector. Nothing could be further from the truth. People don't appreciate the skills involved in, say, rebuilding the West Pier. It's not about digging holes in roads - we're talking serious, skilled stuff.

"Advances in technology mean you have to be pretty bright to achieve the qualifications these days. As we emphasise in our presentations to schools and careers advisers, construction is a very good profession to be in."

One of the main difficulties was getting careers advisers to encourage people down the vocational route.

Andy Lee, relationship director for Lloyds TSB Corporate Business, said the survey showed the failure during the last decade to bridge the skills gap posed a threat to economic growth.

He said: "For people thinking of taking up professions, such as plumbing and bricklaying, the prospect of earning good money often comes only after a long training period and this can act as a deterrent.

Thursday March 27 2003
"Meanwhile, Government moves to influence the balance of the education system between academic and vocational skills, will take time to make a significant impact."

Mr Slumbers said: "I'm confident we'll see a surge in the number of skilled workers in the next few years and that future surveys will reflect these increases.

"Training has picked up considerably but it's going to take a long time to redress the balance and, until then, companies are going to find skills shortages hampering their growth."

If you would like to know more about Modern Apprenticeships, you can call 08000 150600, contact a careers adviser at your school or Careers Centre or visit www.learndirect.co.uk.