More needs to be done to tackle a lack of key skills within the construction industry, according to a new report.

The 300-candidate survey, conducted by BRE Academy, found that sustainability and environmental skills as well as trades such as plastering, electrical and plumbing were in short supply across the sector.

However, BIM and management skills were seen as lacking on a wider scale, as well as an individual company or organisation basis.

In addition, 91% of respondents highlighted a problem with the industry's image, saying people outside of construction have a 'different perspective' of the sector then those within it.

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BRE Academy Director Pauline Traetto said that in order to support growth in the industry, creating an engaged workforce is "critical".

"Construction currently contributes £92 billion a year to the UK economy with a workforce of 3 million people," she said.

"Only by grappling with the skills shortage highlighted in this report in areas like sustainability and digital design will the industry be able to deliver a low carbon, high performance future."

Other key features of the report include 61% of respondents saying the industry needed to do more to promote diversity, while 74% said career pathways for young entrants should be 'actively promoted'.

A further 67% said there should be more focus on promoting construction's hi-tech and digital aspects.

(LM/MH)