More work to be done

As chairman of ConstructionSkills, Latham said that while progress had been made more work needs to be done to create a ‘world class’ UK construction industry.

“Now we have the chance to overcome some of the problems which the industry has faced for too long. They include the need to secure sufficient recruits of the right calibre, to ensure that our existing workforce is trained to the necessary standard, and to help the industry improve its performance and productivity,” said Latham in his address at the Altogether Stronger conference.

The most pressing problem is to recruit half a million new entrants to the construction industry by 2010. Latham commented: “We have succeeded in arousing widespread public interest; now we need to focus on attracting really high quality people. We want to recruit the brightest and best young people in this industry across the board, from craft to graduate.”

At graduate level, Latham pointed out that a new scheme will offer help to those selecting construction-related degree courses – a £1 million pot funded by employers and ConstructionSkills.