More people who have taken the best trades training courses are needed to help the UK construction industry survive the current economic slowdown, new figures have suggested.

Data released by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) showed that the construction workload has now dropped to its lowest level since 2006.

However, the FMB stressed that it was unsurprising that the construction sector had been affected by the general slowdown in the economy and added that "the majority of builders" expect their workloads to remain steady in 2008.

What's more, Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the FMB, explained that an influx of new workers who had taken the best trades training courses would help the sector.

"The construction industry is already facing an acute employment problem with a lack of skilled labour. The State of Trade Survey has verified this problem suggesting that 30 per cent of employers are indeed facing problems recruiting employees," Mr Berry explained.

"It is critical that the construction sector starts to think about the next generation of builders and takes on more apprentices to fill the growing gap."

Recently, Corgi looked to encourage more young people to opt for gas training in a bid to boost skill levels in the construction sector.