§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to improve the skills base of people entering the construction industry. [63054]
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§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), which is sponsored by my Department, is responsible for ensuring that the construction industry has an adequate supply of properly trained people to meet its needs. It is working on two broad fronts to improve the quality and number of recruits to the industry
1. With schools to improve the skills of potential recruits. This includes the development of student apprenticeships, GNVQs and vocational GCSEs, awareness-raising through a network of curriculum centres and a "Young Presenter" Scheme, where young graduates act as role models to young people.2. With employers to deliver skills to recruits once they join the industry. This includes the provision of construction apprenticeships, foundation degrees and graduate apprenticeships and the development of models to address the need for basic skills in adults.