A Lochgelly businessman has warned of a skills shortage in the building materials sector.
Gordon Banks, former MP and director of Cartmore Building Supply Co Ltd and Scottish regional chairman of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), has stated that there is a "recognised skills deficit" and a "lack of opportunity awareness" in the sector.
This comes as a new careers campaign, led by the BMF, aims to address the skills shortage in Scotland.
The Building Materials Careers campaign is the result of more than two years of work and aims to tackle recruitment challenges.
Mr Banks said: "The work that the BMF is undertaking will be vital in addressing this by both ensuring that employers recognise the skills they need to take their businesses forward whilst also raising our sector as a great place for people of all ages and skills to work in."
The campaign is focused on attracting new skills in crucial areas of the sector, including sustainability, innovation, and the delivery of products that can enhance productivity on building sites.
It targets school leavers, trainees, career leavers, and career changers, including armed forces veterans, to bring the diversity of skills needed for the future success of the sector.
Richard Hill, Chair of the BMF, said: “Too few people in Scotland are aware of all that the sector has to offer and that, in turn, impacts on recruitment opportunities.
“Our members have a key role to play in delivering next generation products for the construction of new homes, the refurbishment of the UK’s existing housing stock, and to support infrastructure projects for the future."
Share