Around 1,400 apprentices have been left in limbo by the collapse of Carillion.

The CITB and Education and Skills Funding Agency have provided funds this week in a bid to keep courses going in the short term.

Some industry experts believe the skills body should do more because it will actually benefit financially from Carillion’s liquidation.

The CITB’s last Annual Report and Accounts for 2016 show Carillion paid £3.1m in Levy and received £6.9m in training grant – making it the industry’s biggest beneficiary.

Ian Anfield, managing director at Hudson Contract said: “Surely CITB should be using its money to take over the running of the Carillion training centres.

“They could keep all the staff and apprentices going and it would actually save money because Carillion doubled their money using the grant scheme.”

CITB staff have spoken to hundreds of apprentices and are currently attempting  to contact all 1,400.

Apprentices were primarily in bricklaying, carpentry and joinery.

The CITB said: “We are calling on construction employers – particularly home builders, as many of the skills are applicable and in demand for that sector – to rally round and take on the former Carillion apprentices.”

A hotline has been set up for both former Carillion apprentices to get in touch, and for construction employers who are interested in helping them.

The phone number is: 0344 994 4010 and there is also an email [email protected] for people to contact CITB’s dedicated support team.

Sarah Beale, Chief Executive of the CITB said: “Our industry, which has consistently reported skill shortages and difficulties in attracting apprentices, now needs to step up and support these young people who have so much to offer.

“There is certainly no shortage of work in construction, with housebuilding and infrastructure particularly strong, so these young people can have great careers despite this setback.”