Around 27,000 construction jobs are set to created in Wales over the next five years, according to new figures.

Data from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) predicts the Welsh industry is set to grow at nearly triple the UK average, with an annual output rate of 7.1%.

The rest of the UK is expected to grow 2.5% between 2016 and 2020.

It is understood major infrastructure projects are the main factor which will drive growth in Wales, with developments including Wylfa Newydd, University of Wales Trinity Saint David's waterside campus in Swansea and a number of major road schemes across the country.

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In addition, commercial projects such as the Circuit of Wales, BBC Cymru Wales head offices in Cardiff and a steady increase in repair and maintenance of existing buildings are also driving growth.

Mark Bodger, CITB Cymru Wales Strategic Partnerships Director, said: "The figures show a strong outlook for the Welsh construction industry, driven by a number of infrastructure projects that have already started or are in the pipeline.

"All types of training, and especially apprenticeships, will be vital to delivering this pipeline of work. This positive forecast should inspire more people to start apprenticeships, and more firms to take them on."

(LM/MH)