On this page:

News Release

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

Listen

National construction week

08/10/2003

National Construction Week Scotland was launched at Stirling Castle today.

Speaking at the event Deputy Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Lewis Macdonald said that attracting talented young people was a vital building block to the future success of Scotland's construction industry.

Mr Macdonald continued:

"The £10 billion construction industry is one of the largest sectors within the Scottish economy, employing over 113,000 people.

"The Executive is committed to building a competitive, vital construction industry in Scotland and to addressing skills and training, rogue traders and health and safety.

"The future success of the industry will depend to a large degree on its ability to attract and retain talented people of all ages, and particularly young people.

"National Construction Week has an important role to play in demonstrating to young people that a career in the building trades can release their energy, enthusiasm and potential.

"We are committed to lifelong learning and ensuring that new young recruits are given the skills that they will need to pursue a career in construction.

"Executive initiatives, such as Determined to Succeed , our Enterprise in Education strategy,are about developing in our young people the skills, knowledge and attitudes that prepare them for the world of work.

"Another big step towards securing the supply of skills took place recently, with the publication of the Modernising Construction strategy, Achieving Innovation and Excellence inScotland.

"I fully support the efforts of those involved in National Construction Week, particularly the Construction Industry Training Board, which is at the forefront of attracting young people to this dynamic industry."

National Construction Week is the UK-wide not-for-profit campaign organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to encourage young people to consider a career in the construction industry. Events will include a nationwide schools design competition, a poll of young people's attitudes to construction careers, and an online education pack.

Page updated: Wednesday, July 21, 2004