Fears for economy as building sector apprentices decline

SERIOUS concerns have been voiced over the stability of the economy after it emerged the number of apprentices entering the construction sector has been halved in just under a year.

Figures released by training and employment authority FÁS have shown that, despite attempts to calm public anxiety over the economy, the vital construction sector has seen 1,300 fewer apprentices enter the workforce this year than in 2007, leading to a significant rise in 15- to 19-year-olds signing on the dole.

Between January and September this year, the number of apprentices entering the workforce fell by 39%, down 2,000 from 2007. However, while the economic downturn has been felt across the trades, the worst affected sector has been construction, which has seen a 54% (1,300 person) drop in apprentices compared with last year.