The report consists of 10 recommendations to the government and the industry on how they can remedy the problem.

The report recommends:

1. Flex the government’s planned apprenticeship levy and reduce delays to approval of ‘trailblazer apprenticeship’ standards
2. Create regionally focused skills pipelines
3. Increase availability of Russell Group-standard, part-time degree apprenticeships
4. Review options for career transitioning apprenticeships
5. Introduce GCSEs and A-levels in design, engineer and construct (DEC) disciplines
6. Foster collaboration between industry and government to deliver a broader range of improved careers advice for construction and engineering
7. Commit the industry to measurable improvements in diversity
8. Seize the opportunity of the new Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
9. Support the creation of a single construction and infrastructure skills body
10. Facilitate the ongoing professional development of a directly employed workforce.

John O’Connor, human capital director at Laing O’Rourke, said: “Our plan highlights that there is a worrying skills shortage in the UK construction and engineering sectors and presents a clear series of practical recommendations to help close the skills gap in the design, manufacturing, engineering and construction spaces.”