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The Federation of Master Builders has welcomed the Government proposal that GCSE's in vocational subjects should be available from September this year. The Federation, which represents 13,000 small and medium sized builders throughout the UK, has consistently advocated that youngsters, if they wish, should have the opportunity of pre-vocational craft training, leading to a career in the construction industry. This will help relieve the critical skills shortages in the industry. In a recent survey of members undertaken by the FMB, nearly two-thirds reported difficulties in finding skilled craftsmen. Good prospects exist for qualified craftsmen in a variety of trades.
Commenting on the development Brian Flint, deputy director of the Federation of Master Builders said:
"For the construction industry the new GCSEs can only be delivered via colleges of further education, so it is vital that the Learning Skills Council should be allowed to provide funds for pre-vocational training of 14-16 year olds at colleges of further education, as well as for those over 16."
"From the industry's point of view, if new vocational GCSEs are to provide the basis of the curriculum to be followed, then the industry, together with the Construction Industry Training Board, needs to ensure that they are developed in time to be ready for the new school year in September."
First posted: 18 July 2002. Last modified: 18 July 2002.
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