The North West construction sector is grappling with a persistent skills gap, warns the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The CITB's Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecasts for 2024-28 reveal that construction output in the area will increase by 2.2 per cent per year until 2028.

However, an extra 23,850 workers, approximately 4,770 per year, will be required to keep up with the anticipated growth.

The report indicates that the main job opportunities will be in repair, maintenance, and private and public housing.

Alarmingly, in 2023, an average of 38,000 vacancies were advertised each month, with suitably skilled workforce shortage cited as the main concern by 31 per cent of construction employers.

Despite recruiting around 200,000 workers annually across the UK, the industry saw the exit of approximately 210,000 workers.

CITB suggests that addressing recruitment challenges and preparing for future demands are key to bridging this gap, as well as driving productivity improvements and meeting net zero targets.

In a bid to address these issues, CITB has committed £267m to improve diversity and work quality in the sector while attracting more recruits.

The investment will boost three initiatives: the New Entrant Support Team, the Industry Impact Fund, and the Employer Network to aid employers in recruiting and retaining talent and addressing area-specific skills deficits.

Tim Balcon, CITB chief executive, said: "The UK construction industry will continue to grow, but needs more people in the workforce with the right skills.

"The past few years have posed many challenges for the industry and as a sector we have shown significant resilience. 2024 and beyond hosts a more positive outlook and through a joined-up approach to recruit, train, develop and upskill talent, CITB will continue to play a crucial role in supporting an industry that is a key driver of the UK economy."