Vocational training changes praised by CITB-ConstructionSkills

The Chancellor's commitment to revitalise vocational training, especially apprenticeships, has been praised by CITB-ConstructionSkills.

Commenting on the move outlined in the 2005 Budget, Sheila Hoile, its skills strategy director, said: "The UK's construction industry needs high quality school leavers as entrants to its workforce, with effective and rewarding training programmes and apprenticeships for them to join.

"The extra apprenticeship places and the idea of a negotiated learning agreement for 16 to 17- year-olds are both welcome initiatives. CITB-ConstructionSkills will work, where possible, with government to make these pilots a reality."

However, Hoile warned that no matter how much skills are taught, the employer still has a vital role in making sure they are implemented.

"CITB-ConstructionSkills will work with government to ensure that employers in our industry are at the core of the new initiatives and the overall drive to make the commitment to vocational education a success in practice, rather than just words on paper," she said. 

"We have to get this right. Without it the new building programme for primary schools just won't be possible - we need the teenagers of today to be equipped with core construction skills to be able to help build the primary schools of tomorrow."