Plumbing - UK warned about shortage of plumbers

20/02/2008

Britain's construction industry could soon be hit by a shortage of skilled plumbers and electricians, according to a training provider.

Denis Hird, chief executive of JTL, warned that growth in the construction sector would create higher demand for trained workers over the next three years.

However, unless employers commit to providing more apprenticeships then a major skills gap is likely to develop, he continued.

The Learning and Skills Council has organised National Apprenticeship Week for February 25th to 29th and Mr Hird is keen for businesses to support it.

"It is our firmly held belief that it's not only the UK economy that benefits from apprenticeships but also the individual businesses that train," he added.

Earlier in the week, the Olympic Delivery Authority revealed public sector agencies and private contractors will need between 9,000 and 10,000 construction workers in order to build all the facilities needed for London 2012.