The expected surge in housing investment in the North-east could be seriously hampered by a shortage of skilled construction workers, the Construction Industry Training Board has warned.
At least 3500 new recruits are needed to fill shortages in the region each year, said the CITB, a figure far beyond that met by local training.

Two major arm's-length management organisations – Gateshead and Newcastle – are moving closer to the start of operations in the area, bringing in £500m of government money.

The region's market renewal pathfinder also expects to bring in public and private funding of more than £1.7bn over the next 15 years.

But John Lee, chief executive of ALMO Your Homes Newcastle, questioned whether the local economy could handle the work.

He said: "With our ALMO, the Gateshead ALMO, the pathfinder and all that's going on around the Tyne right now, you're looking at at least a couple of billion pounds' worth of construction activity.

"I'm not convinced we've got the capacity or the skills to deliver."

Source

Housing Today