Approximately 232,000 jobs are to be created in the UK construction industry, according to new figures.

The Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) new Construction Skills Network (CSN) report reveals the industry is forecast for an average growth of 2.5% over the next five years.

It is understood the growth will be driven by major infrastructure projects such as Hinkley Point, Somerset, and Wylfa, Anglesey.

In addition, rail projects such as Crossrail and HS2 will also contribute to year-on-year infrastructure growth of 6.1%.

Output in housebuilding is expected to return to pre-recession levels and reach £26 billion by 2020.

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Commercial construction is predicted to experience 3.4% growth per annum while private housebuilding will also grow across the forecasted period.

The CITB is now calling on more apprentices to be trained in order to deliver future projects.

"All types of training, and especially apprenticeships, will be vital to delivering this pipeline of work," he said.

"This positive forecast should inspire more people to start apprenticeships, and more firms to take them on."

He added: "We can't build the Britain we want without growing apprenticeships – and the careers they lead onto. That's why it is vital that these new statistics, showing solid, sustained growth, inspire more people join the construction industry.

"We also want to attract workers who have left the industry to return, and upskill those currently in the sector, so we can deliver major projects and new housing faster and better."

Overall, annual growth is predicted in all the UK's regions and nations up to 2020, with Wales faring best with year-on-year growth of 7.1%, followed by the South West (4.4%), London (3.5%), and the North West (2.6%).

(LM/MH)