The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched an Experience Construction Programme to help employers attract new talent into the industry.

The move comes as CITB figures revealed recruitment of construction apprentices in Scotland is up 21 per cent and has reached a four year high.

Devised with the industry, the ground breaking scheme gives young people the opportunity of two weeks structured work experience in construction. It helps them decide if a career in the industry is what they want and enables employers to assess their potential before taking them on.

Phil Ford, strategic partnerships director for CITB Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the wide range of opportunities that are available to young people seeking careers in construction. With the industry returning to growth, it’s more important than ever that employers are supported in hiring and training apprentices to secure tomorrow’s workforce today.”

Robert Graham, director at ECG Joinery Ltd, who has hired an apprentice through the Experience Construction Programme, added: “The programme gives employers the opportunity to assess individuals prior to any commitment. We found this to be very beneficial in helping us to assess and ultimately choose the correct individual to fit our needs. This can only be a good way forward in helping companies to find suitable candidates.”