ASCOT: Results from the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) fourth annual skills survey show that the industry is suffering from a skills shortage despite the recession and subsequent downturn in construction demand.

72% of respondents believe there is a skills shortage in construction.

The lack of apprentice recruitment is emphasised by 67% as the biggest threat to the future skills agenda. Furthermore, 52% of the sample reported that the recession has resulted in a decline in apprentice recruitment.

Insufficient education about construction at school-level was reported by 47% of respondents as the second-biggest threat to the future skills agenda, while an ageing workforce was underlined by 46% as the third-biggest threat.