Construction companies are being urged to visit more schools in a bid to make a career in the industry more attractive to youngsters.

The CITB is leading the charge for a more pro-active approach from contractors following a damning report which found young people were being advised they were “too clever for construction”

CITB Chairman James Wates said: “Our industry has to compete with many others for future talent.

“That means that we must be in the thoughts and choices of pupils making decisions at school – not as they’re about to leave or have already left.

“We can’t leave this to existing careers advice because we need to reach teachers in order to reach pupils.

“Teachers need to be made aware of what training and careers construction has to offer their pupils in order to get our message across.

“We build inspirational icons across the UK and the world – and we build schools, homes and hospitals in local communities.

“We need to inspire tomorrow’s talent with these achievements and I’m asking employers to be part of setting out our stall.

“I’d like to see 50 employers visit 50 schools in 2014 to do just this. That sends a powerful message about our industry and about the opportunities that exist within it.”

EDF Energy is already working closely with local schools near to its planned new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point..

Jennie Chapman, head of partnerships at EDF Energy, said: “We have reached out to 35,000 school students around Somerset through a variety of exciting activities in our ‘Inspire’ education programme as well as tailoring specific events to appeal to female students.

“The results have been very encouraging, with many examples of students thinking again – or for the first time – about a career in construction, engineering or science.

“I would strongly encourage others to support the CITB’s call to invest in encouraging the construction workers of the future.”