By 2008, construction output of the South East is forecast to be 9.4% higher than it was in 2003.  Consequently, the South East needs to recruit and train 66,900 new workers between 2004 and 2008.  The three largest occupational categories are wood trades, managers and clerical.  The highest levels of demand by 2008 are predicted for managers, wood trades and clerical.

In the South East, 91% of construction firms have fewer than 10 employers.  The constant uncertainty for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) discourages investment in training.  The lack of trained people continues to have a negative impact on the industry in this region with 50% of construction employers experiencing difficulties in recruiting staff.  Retention and achievement rates for apprentices are a particular problem with 40% of employers reporting that newly trained recruits lack the variety of skills needed. 

Employers in the region reported the most difficulty recruiting into roofers and wood trades.  This is unlikely to ease as employers are expecting their workload to increase.

The South East accounts for 2,728 On-Site Assessment and Training registrations and 1,853 S/NVQ achievements.

Source: Action for Skills South East 2004 and Skills Needs Analysis for the Construction Industry 2004

 
Source: Skills Needs Analysis for the Construction Industry 2004