Industry support for National Construction Week rises by 40%

The organisers of National Construction Week 2002  (NCW 2002) have revealed today (Wednesday) that there is a 40% increase on the industry's involvement at this time last year.

The number of hits on the NCW website, www.ncw.org.uk, is also showing an increase, averaging 15,000 hits per week - over double the level of website traffic this time last year.

Set for 3-10 October 2002, the UK-wide campaign which encourages young people to consider a construction-related career, now has 106 companies, industry organisations and educational establishments signed up as supporters. 

Balfour Beatty, HBG, Mowlem, Nuttall, Shepherd, Skanska and Tarmac are already planning their contribution to this year's campaign, while 25 colleges are also holding events and open days during the week to promote construction-related courses.

Sir MIchael Latham, chairman of Construction Industry Training Board, which is organising the event, said: "I would encourage everyone in the construction industry to play an active part in the campaign.

"Recruitment is high on everyone's agenda and NCW 2002 offers an effective way for the industry to come together to promote itself to young people."

NCW 2002 Senior Project Manager, Paul Bower added: "The events are bigger and partners are planning much earlier. We have done everything we can to make participation straightforward and cost effective.

"Any UK construction company can sign up to support other companies' events or register their own by visiting www.ncw.org.uk.  Last year we staged 419 events and I'm confident that this year we'll exceed that."