A recent survey carried out by CITB-ConstructionSkills revealed regional variations in skills shortages.  The highest percentage of employers experiencing difficulty recruiting skilled staff was in the North West (78%) and the lowest was in the East (47%).  The highest percentage of employers reporting at least one unfilled long-term vacancy was in the West Midlands.

There is a need to continue to train new recruits.  An analysis of first year trainees by level of qualification and region shows regional variations.  Scotland, for example, has the largest proportion of trainees on an SVQ Level 3 qualification compared with all other regions where the majority of trainees are on Level 2.  The West Midlands has the largest share of first year trainees (just over 6,000) while the South West has the smallest (approximately 3,000).

For regional variations in the number of trainees and On-Site Assessment Training achievements go to education and training.