Build for growth

Published on 24/02/2012 00:00

It IS unsurprising that the Scottish Building Federation’s quarterly survey has shown a drop in confidence within the Scottish construction sector.

Our recent annual Construction Skills Network report showed that the industry will continue to contract over the next year.

However, it is also promising that growth is expected in Scotland in 2013.

In these challenging conditions where youth unemployment is a particular problem, it is vital for firms to continue to invest in training and apprenticeships so that they ensure they are prepared for the projected return to growth next year.

In Scotland sthe trongest growth is anticipated in the infrastructure sector but in order to boost employment prospects beyond 2012, it is crucial that planned infrastructure projects are taken forward, such as the Forth road crossing and dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

The Scottish Government has committed the public sector to provide training and apprenticeship plans in public contracts and ConstructionSkills is already working to create employment opportunities as well as attract new blood as part of our Positive Image campaign.

Overall the long term picture looks promising and the construction sector has the potential to create an economic stimulus to help return the Scottish economy to growth.

Graeme Ogilvy

ConstructionSkills Scotland

Inchinnan Business Park

Inchinnan, Renfrewshire