Union UCATT has revealed its disappointment at the number of newly qualified construction apprentices entering the industry.

It is understood the sector requires 46,400 new apprentices every year.

However, recent figures have revealed only 8,470 qualified in 2014/15.

While the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) claimed nearly 22,500 apprentices "started" courses, UCATT said the figure 'isn't helpful' as the only statistic that matters is the numbers that finish the courses.

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The union added UK construction apprenticeship completion levels have flat-lined at around 8,500, with the last three years figures being 9,060 in 2012/13, 8,030 in 2013/14 and 8,470 in 2014/15.

In addition, the last three years of qualifying apprentices with NVQ Level 3 were: 2012/13 – 2,560; 2013/14 – 2,030; 2014/15 – 2,070.

Brian Rye, Acting General Secretary of UCATT, said the construction industry needs to "address the reality of the situation" and start training many more new apprentices.

"The last thing the British construction industry needs is lies, damn lies and statistics. We need almost 50,000 new entrants every a year to sustain ourselves. Less than 20 per cent of that – 8,000 apprentices – is not enough," he said.

(LM)