SIPTU has urged employers in the construction industry to put a larger focus on training apprentices and semi-skilled workers to help address the housing crisis.

SIPTU TEAC Divisional Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: "There is no doubt that the number of construction apprenticeships must increase."

Mr Ennis was speaking in response to the Construction Industry Federation's (CIF) call for changes to the apprenticeship system.

"The call to reduce the period centre-based training from 22 weeks needs to be considered very carefully," he said. "The construction industry must also reflect on the long-term impact on job quality and labour supply arising from sub-contracting practices."

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SIPTU Economist Marie Sherlock identified some of the problems surrounding the lack of apprentices and semi-skilled workers.

She said: "Key structural features of the construction industry such as increased sub-contracting activity, little or no direct employment opportunities on any of the major construction sites and the widespread use of agency staff are significant factors that contribute to the growing shortage of craft and semi-skilled construction workers."

"There is little or no employer provided training and little incentive for construction workers to pay for their own training when they have no certainty of employment or assurance that they will get the Sector Employment Order (SEO) wage rates."

Ms Sherlock added: "We need to see greater state supports for workplace skilling for general operatives and we need to explore changes to the existing model of construction apprenticeship provision."  

(CM)