CONSTRUCTION firms boosted by Kent’s burgeoning regeneration programmes have been warned they are losing out on employment opportunities.

With the South East struggling to fill construction vacancies, industry training body CITB-ConstructionSkills said companies in the South were particularly at risk of missing out on exceptional candidates because they delayed offering apprenticeships.

In January alone, the CITB received more than 30 applications a week from young people in the South looking to make their first step into the industry.

Robbie Beecher, New Entrant Training (NET) manager, said: "Many of the most outstanding applicants are likely to be quickly snapped up by employers, both inside and outside of the construction industry, leaving companies that recruit later in the year with a more restricted choice.

"Many companies who have previously taken on apprentices have come to regard them as vital for maintaining high standards and safeguarding the future of the business.

"Of the total applications received this year, many were from applicants hoping to be employed as apprentice carpenters and joiners, bricklayers and plasterers. However, other trades are well represented, including trades as wide ranging as steeplejack to mason pavior."

Mr Beecher said of the applications already received in the South: "It’s fantastic to see that so many young people in the region are so keen to join the industry that they’ve already applied to take up an apprenticeship this year.

"It’s a clear indication that many young people are making career decisions early on in the year. These are likely to be the most organised, focused candidates, who would be an asset to any firm that employs them, so it would be a shame if they were lost to the industry simply because they weren’t offered an apprenticeship soon enough."

CITB-ConstructionSkills works closely with construction firms to aid selection and training of candidates. Grants of up to £8,400 over three years are available to support training and development.

* Further information can be found by visiting: www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/apprenticeships.