Build for the future

The UK faces a shortfall of skilled engineers that could threaten the nation's drive to build a new generation of power stations, according to a recent report.

(ECITB) predicts a total deficit of 17,000 skilled technical workers in the construction industry by 2014, and the body calls for more investment in training, including a possible increase in the levy paid to it by companies to support skills development.

The organisation, which represents firms involved in any part of the construction process from design to installation and maintenance, calls for employers and trades unions to help shape an action plan to secure construction skills over the next six years. It identified power generation, including new-builds, as one of the biggest growth areas and consequently where one of the largest shortfalls may be found.

'One of the biggest issues is that the government won't get its power stations built. Most of the bigger ones in the UK are past their initial design life and need to be replaced, which is why power is the biggest single growth area for requirement of people,' said ECITB's chief executive David Edwards.