Bring back apprentices

In my opinion this problem could be solved by bringing back a national apprenticeship scheme, financially supported by the government, together with the trade organisations, linked to an accredited examining body such as the City & Guilds of London Institute, having a set syllabus with a system of marking which ensures parity in the standards to be met.

I realise, however, that we now live in an age of the sub-contractor, many of which are labour-only and would not be able to take part in any such scheme.

However, those companies capable of providing training facilities for apprenticeships are reluctant to do so bearing in mind the need to comply with health and safety requirements and the necessary insurance when employing young people undergoing training and needing supervision. Thus the need for full government backing.

The technical colleges can only provide training in part. Students need industrial experience in parallel with their college education to become employable tradespeople. Until this criterion is met we shall remain short of highly skilled, qualified tradespeople.