The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have launched a £1m scheme to train non-construction staff.

The increase in the number of homes being built over the last two years has led to a massive recruitment drive in the industry, and the two bodies are looking to make sure that staff in areas such as sales and marketing are getting the required levels of training.

Stewart Baseley, HBF Executive Chairman, said: “As we look to increase output still further it is imperative we continue to increase industry capacity and develop the skilled workforce required to build the high quality homes the country needs.

“The house building process is an extremely complex one requiring a great number of people with very different skills.

“If we are to provide the high quality homes and the level of customer service today’s new build customer demands we need to ensure every member of staff in every part of the process is trained to the best possible standard.”

The fund will be used to help the HBF to educate employees as well as non-construction undergraduates and graduates.