"Positive signs" for anyone taking trade and construction courses

28 Jan 2010

Nick Whitten, associate editor at Construction News, has a positive outlook for some sectors of the construction industry

A construction expert is putting out a positive message for people taking trade and construction courses.

Many construction companies are currently going through a tough period, with 44 per cent of firms surveyed by the Federation of Master Builders expecting their workload to decline in the first quarter of 2010.

However, Nick Whitten, associate editor at Construction News, said that some sectors have a more optimistic outlook, insisting that the decline is either levelling out or reversing.

He said: "We are expecting house builders to hire something like 10,000 people this year and the supply chain that works with them [will be] probably another three times that.

"In certain sectors there are signs of the job losses ending and, certainly in the economic recovery, there will be other areas that start to recruit as well. There are positive signs."

Among the qualifications available through online courses with ICS is a BTEC Advanced Diploma in Construction, which can open the door to opportunities within the industry.

Posted by David Steitz