Construction industry ‘to grow 2.5 per cent per year’

The next five years will see an annual average growth of 2.5 per cent within the construction industry, according to new figures.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has forecast that 232,000 jobs could be created as a result of this, and that more apprentices are needed.

This 2016-2020 growth will be driven by infrastructure and private housing, according to the report, entitled Construction Skills Network.

Breaking down what roles will see the most growth, the document predicted that 9,400 non-construction professionals will be needed in technical, IT and office-based roles. There will also be 4,320 wood traders and interior fit-out workers needed, as well as 2,870 bricklayers.

New power stations being to be built at Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Wylfa in Anglesea, which, alongside rail projects, will boost infrastructure growth by 6.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, the commercial construction sector is set to experience growth of 3.4 per cent per year over the same period.

Steve Radley, policy director at the CITB, said: “All types of training, and especially apprenticeships, will be vital to delivering this pipeline of work. This positive forecast should inspire more people to start apprenticeships, and more firms to take them on.”

“We can’t build the Britain we want without growing apprenticeships - and the careers they lead on to. That’s why it is vital that these new statistics, showing solid, sustained growth, inspire more people join the construction industry.”

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