Solving the skills crisis is top of my agenda, says new FMB national president

Attracting more young people into the sector is top of the agenda for Arthur McArdle, the new national president of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Arthur McArdle was elected national president of the FMB, the UK’s largest construction trade association, on Saturday, September 8, at the FMB’s national AGM and conference in Bournemouth.
Arthur said: “I am extremely passionate about ensuring that we have enough skilled workers to help build the nation out of the housing crisis. The skills shortage the sector is facing is absolutely dire and the only way we can guarantee enough skilled construction workers in the future is by attracting more young people into the sector and training them to a high standard now. The construction industry is an extremely rewarding sector to work in and it should be viewed as such. I want construction to be a career of choice for young people.

“Although the FMB has spearheaded steps to make apprenticeships more attractive to young people, including playing a pivotal role in the sign-off of two high quality apprenticeships in bricklaying and plastering in June this year, we still have further to go. The FMB is committed to working with the government to improve the quality and quantity of apprenticeships.”

Arthurd concluded: “As the FMB continues to grow, I am extremely privileged to be part of the leadership of an organisation that stands for quality and professionalism in the building industry.”