Training Board report shows that it was still failing to hit recruitment levels for ethnic workers.
Figures revealed that in Greater London the CITB had recruited 12 workers from ethnic backgrounds and two women from 285 entrants. The figures from the regions were similar: out of 8776 entrants 83 were women and 149 from an ethnic background.

The CITB report said: "CITB staff are under pressure to achieve the target of 235 for the recruitment of females and ethnic minorities."

CITB manager Julian Humphreys said it was close to meeting the targets for ethnic minorities and within 20% of the target for women. She said: "However, we are aware that the numbers need improving and are working hard to tackle this in a number of ways."

She said that the CITB was looking for more employers to offer apprenticeships during the next round of recruitment.