The new initiative dubbed ‘Experience Construction’ aims to enroll 16-18 year olds on a two to four weeks work placement to give them a taste of the construction industry.

The scheme has been devised by the Sector Skills Council and industry training board to help a generation of young people try out industries before deciding on careers.

Training bosses also want contractors to sign up to finding 500 national apprenceship places once work experience has been completed.

Mike Bialyj, Employer Services Director at CITB-ConstructionSkills said: “This is a great opportunity for construction companies to put themselves forward and make a crucial contribution to the industry.

“While the sector still faces challenges, it is important that we are still making sure that quality new entrants continue to enter the workforce to prevent a skills gap in the future.

“We are urging construction companies to contact us to find out more information on signing up to the scheme and offering someone this experience and insight to our industry.”

The work experience placements will take place from February through to July.

Contact CITB-ConstructionSkills on 0300 456 5824.