Tuesday, 10 July 2007

Scottish Construction Employers must offer Sustainable Training Opportunities

Commenting on the severe skills shortage in the construction industry in Scotland, construction union UCATT, have warned that the economy will not benefit unless genuine training is provided.

The Construction industry is beset with severe skills shortages a situation set to worsen in the next five years, when many skilled workers will retire. UCATT believes that the solution is to increase the number of work based apprenticeships.

Harry Frew, UCATT Scottish Regional Secretary said: “It appears that many cheapskate building bosses would rather hire migrant workers who they can exploit, rather than train the Scottish workers of tomorrow.  For any skills strategy to support the construction industry the Government must force the employers to operate a far greater number of high quality apprenticeships schemes.”

Problems of training and apprenticeship are increased as many construction companies rely on bogus self-employment. Companies using such employment schemes do not train their staff.

Harry Frew, also said: “The government target to provide 500,000 apprenticeships for every young person who wants one is to be welcomed but unless there is a major change in attitude from the construction industry, demand will continue to massively outstrip supply in this sector.  For example, last year in Scotland out of over 11,000 initial apprenticeship applicants only 2,570 managed to find apprenticeships with employers.”

UCATT believes that apprenticeship is best carried out in the workplace with training to SVQ3 levels. College based training schemes are an inferior substitute.

For Further information contact H Frew Regional Secretary on 0141 420 2880