Over the next three years Barratt aims to recruit around 150 graduates, 30 paid interns and 400 apprentices as the industry shifts into recovery.

Barratt also plans to put 100 people through a unique house building foundation degree programme which is to be delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

Mark Clare, group chief executive of Barratt Developments, unveiled the new training targets as he delivered an upbeat trading statement.

Since the start of the year average net private reservations have risen 9.7% in line with other volume house builders.

He added that since the Government announced plans for its Help to Buy scheme the level had spike 18% as home buyers returned to the market.

“Our improved performance is being underpinned by stronger market conditions and the operational changes we have made to every aspect of our business.

“Help to Buy has seen a strong start and we are investing in land and bringing it through planning to meet increasing consumer demand.”

Since the equity loan scheme was launched on 1 April 2013 Barratt has taken 400 reservations.

He also said the house builder had seen positive effects from the Government’s new planning regime, particularly the need for local authorities to demonstrate a five year land supply.

Forward sales excluding joint ventures were up 29% at £1,3bn, equating to 7,155 plots compared to 6,052 plots a year ago.