A skills shortage in the UK's construction industry has increased the importance of electrical courses and other educational programmes, according to a report.

The Chartered Institute of Building has published its fourth annual skills survey, revealing that 72 per cent of construction industry professionals believe there is currently a lack of skilled workers in the UK.

Among the suggested reasons for this trend is a lack of apprentice recruitment, while a paucity of qualifications and skills among graduates was also cited by many.

This is despite the fact that prospects for the industry as a whole seem to be improving, with almost three quarters of those polled forecasting level or increased construction demand in 2010/11.

CIOB deputy chief executive Michael Brown said: "Future investment for the industry is clearly essential. But it will be pointless if we do not have a skilled industry capable of delivering projects."

Last week, Constructing Excellence in the North East chief executive Catriona Lingwood called on young people to do more to fill the current skills gap, for the benefit of the industry and themselves.

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