The construction sector is set to deliver more than 500 new jobs each year in Essex over the next five years as major new building schemes come onstream.
The report from the Construction Industry Training Board forecasts “keen growth” in both the commercial and domestic construction sectors. 
Projects helping drive growth in the East of England  include the £950million redevelopment of Purfleet Centre, in Thurrock, as well as the £330million new central headquarters for British multinational pharmaceutical and biologics company AstraZeneca, off the M11.  Both could begin as early as next year and will require a significant number of skilled workers.
However, the report warns  the sector’s recovery is threatened by a widening skills gap.  
The training board is now urging tradespeople who left the industry during the downturn to return and take advantage of the increasing opportunities in the sector. 
Meg Hankinson, the board’s sector strategy manager for Essex, said: “This report is terrific news for the region and shows the construction industry is making a strong comeback.
“Worryingly, though, construction is facing a skills gap, with projects potentially held back due to a lack of skilled workers. 
“That’s why the Construction Industry Training Board  is working with industry to attract the next generation of workers and encourage skilled tradespeople who left the industry in the recession to return. 
“This positive forecast shows that now is the right time to start, or return, to a rewarding career in construction.”