CIHT supports the announcemnt by Government that there needs to be a creation of skilled workers in the highways & transportation sector.

The recruitment, careful development and retention of young professionals is central to a vibrant and internationally competitive highways and transportation industry of the future. By attracting and retaining the right workforce the industry can deliver the high quality and cost-effective delivery, operation and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure.

With fewer graduates entering the industry and an ageing professional population, UK Governments need to continue to support apprenticeship schemes as a way of attracting new entrants, providing training relevant to industry needs, and assisting the UK to compete successfully in global markets. UK Governments also need to recognise and support the contribution made by Further and Higher Education and consider incentives to encourage young people to pursue careers in engineering and related occupations.
 

This announcement consisted of:

 

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today (6 November 2013) calling on infrastructure heads to work with government to develop plans that ensure its £73 billion capital spending commitment delivers a skills legacy for Britain.

Addressing the heads of Crossrail Ltd, the Highways Agency, HS2, Network Rail and Transport for London, the Transport Secretary asked them to work together to draw up proposals in partnership with industry before the group meets again in 2014.

The government wants to see its massive programme of infrastructure investment build a highly skilled workforce with employees capable of transferring their capabilities to other flagship projects in the UK and exporting them around the world.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

“We are equipping Britain to succeed in the global race with the most ambitious programme of transport spending in generations, totalling more than £70 billion in the next Parliament.

 

“Alongside the huge improvements to infrastructure and services, we want to create a legacy of skilled workers capable of transferring their skills between flagship projects.
 

“That is why today I have called on this team of industry leaders to work on plans that will equip the country with the expertise necessary to drive forward our economy for years to come.”

The full announcement by Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport can be found here