§ Matthew GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what schemes are in place to increase the number of people in house building professions. [99397]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Construction Industry Training Board is taking the lead in increasing recruitment into the construction industry. This includes the needs of the house building sector. The Ambition Construction scheme was launched in 2001 with joint CITB and DWP funding to train and place New Deal clients in skilled jobs directly relevant to house building.
In recognition of the importance of this issue to the future health of the industry, the Strategic Forum for Construction has set targets for recruitment and retention in its agenda (as set out in its report "Accelerating Change"). In addition, the Strategic Forum is also looking to improve the productivity of the construction industry through integrated team working and through offsite fabrication which will in turn increase the ability of the industry to meet the demands—both in terms of quality and quantity—of its clients. The Department is working with the Strategic Forum and others, to deliver this agenda.