The construction industry is being urged to encourage more young people to consider a career in the sector, it has been announced.

Ministers have today, 01 February called upon the industry to 'remove barriers' and develop 'ambitious plans' for the trade.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has been tasked with solving the current skill crisis and alleviating other constraints limiting house building and infrastructure development.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis and Skills Minister Nick Boles want the industry to review current business models and look at whether current schemes hold back the trade from 'developing the skills it needs.'

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In addition, new models of construction such as offsite manufacturing are to be considered.

It is understood the CLC has asked Mark Farmer, CEO of real estate and construction consultancy Cast, to identify methods of bringing more people into the industry.

Minister Lewis said: "The number of new homes is up 25% in the last year – and this is further proof we've got the country building again and delivering the homes the nation wants.

"This means thousands of jobs are now up for grabs and we're determined to make sure that there are enough skilled workers to get the job done.

"Construction offers an exciting and rewarding career and we need to build a new generation of home grown talented, ambitious and highly skilled construction workers."

Minister Boles added: "We are investing in measures to cut red tape and increase the number of young people doing apprenticeships and traineeships to ensure we have a pipeline of skilled workers.

"As leaders in the industry, the Council is best placed to advise on how to boost productivity in the sector and build the houses and infrastructure our nation needs."

(LM/CD)