Bovis Lend Lease has launched a new training company to address the increasing skills shortage in the construction industry.

Be Onsite, a not-for-profit organisation has been created to offer on-site, industry specific training and employment.

It is in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, ConstructionSkill, the London Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council and will begin its first pilot scheme this year.

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ConstructionSkills approximates more than 85,000 new entrants are required in the UK construction industry each year and many of these entrants will need new skills in light of new building techniques and development.

Val Lowman, Bovis Lend Lease Community Development Head and MD of Be Onsite said: “Small firms with fewer than 14 workers represent 94% of the construction industry and employ 39% of all workers. These firms need all the help they can get.

“We aim for Be Onsite to eventually grow so that it can offer trainees to the construction industry across the country.”

Be Onsite has been set up to provide the skills gaps which are a result of a lack of specific training.

(JM/KMcA)