A lack of younger workers in the construction industry means that those who choose to take bricklaying courses can capitalise on growing demand for staff.

Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of business support organisation Constructing Excellence in the North East, has stated that the average age of tradesmen is becoming increasingly high.

Writing for nebusiness.co.uk, she cited a report from the Centre for Research into the Older Workforce which showed that construction has a higher-than-average percentage of workers aged 55-64 and an unusually low proportion of those aged between 25 and 34.

Ms Lingwood stated that this is despite the value and stability offered by the trade following the economic crisis and called on younger workers to "take up the mantle".

She said: "Sharp young people should be able to look at this and realise there is a gap which can be exploited, not only for their own benefit, but for the good of the industry."

Earlier this month, the Federation of Master Builders suggested that an increase in the number of householders retrofitting their homes with energy efficiency improvements could lead to a rise in construction jobs.

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