Hundreds of half-trained apprentices laid off by housebuilders

Housebuilders are calling for help from the construction industry's training board as they are forced to lay off hundreds of half-trained apprentices in the wake of the housing recession.

With site activity believed to be 50% down on last year and new build at the lowest level since 1945, contractors said there is little scope for the placement of existing apprentices, let alone taking on more.

Max Hamps, director of ConstructionSkills Apprenticeships, has warned that ambitious Government plans in its recently published draft Apprenticeship Bill are already in jeopardy.

He said: "To meet the ambitions of the draft Bill it is vital that an even greater number of employers begin taking on apprentices."

Hamps said the training board itself has set a target of doubling the number of apprentices over the next four years.