The Chartered Institute of Building’s annual skill survey of 1182 predominantly UK construction industry professionals has revealed that despite the recession, there still remains a skills shortage within the industry.

77% of those asked believe there is currently a skills shortage and 78% feel that the loss of skills will hinder the industry’s recovery when the economy improves.

“There is a danger that once the industry demand rises, and recruitment increases, there will be a mass of previously skilled workers who choose not to return to the industry having opted for other careers," said Michael Brown CIOB Deputy Chief Executive. "The industry has never fully recovered from the recession in the 90’s, particularly at the management and senior management level. We must learn from those lessons and find ways to put in place the vital skills needed for recovery and beyond.”

Only 37% of those asked are sure their companies are still employing apprentices while 11% stated that their companies usually employ apprentices, but cannot afford to in the current economic climate. Only 1% are recruiting the same number of graduates as before the recession.

Despite the apparent skills shortage in the UK, 43% had not noticed a reduction in migrant workers.