80% of drywall specialists want to take on apprentices to tackle skills shortage

The final quarter survey of 2007 from FPDC; the Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors – the trade association representing the leading drywall specialists contractors, has shown that 80 per cent of drywall specialist want to take on more apprentices and tackle the skills shortage.

The FPDC Q4 2007 survey of members reported that the availability of skilled labour is still a big worry for specialist contractors. Respondents voiced concerns regarding training and qualifications but it would seem that contractors are trying to tackle this head on with 80 per cent planning to recruit apprentices in the coming year.

The survey also showed that number of members reporting slower payment has nearly doubled.

Emma Tomlin, chief executive of FPDC, said: “The latest survey of our members indicates that more main contractors are delaying payment. We hope that the OGC’s move to improve payment terms on public sector contracts to all those in the supply chain will reverse this trend.

“The ongoing skilled labour shortages demonstrate that the Construction Industry Training Board has failed to deliver for the specialist sectors.  We strongly advocate a move to employer led training to deliver the training demanded.”

The Q4 FPDC members’ survey also revealed the sector ended 2007 with 72 per cent of contractors reporting the flow of new orders and tender enquiries holding steady.

Despite the economic uncertainty sweeping the nation, prospects for members are good with half of those surveyed optimistic about the future.

Forty-seven per cent of contractors reported profit margins unchanged whilst 50 per cent of companies have seen margins weaken.