According to the report, of those firms not hiring apprentices, over a third claimed the increased admin involved was a major deterrent. While nearly 20% said they had difficulty finding suitable applicants.

Richard Orton, chief executive of NICEIC, said the research made it clear that the infrastructure was not there to facilitate investment in people.

He added: “there needs to be a collective effort to put better structures in place that match electrical businesses with talent.”

---

An electrician has eventually managed to get Transport for London to drop its traffic case against him.

Peter Taylor was disputing a £240 fine for allegedly driving in a bus lane.

Taylor, who has been working in the area since the early 1990s, argued that the road signs weren’t clear and that the cameras did not provide a conclusive view.

The transport authority eventually agreed that there was "a lack of clarity" with the video evidence and cancelled the fine.

---

Screwfix has launched its hunt for the UK’s top trade apprentice.

The eventual winner of the annual competition will pick up a trade bundle worth £10,000.

The champion’s college will also get £2,000 of Screwfix vouchers.

Last year’s winner, 19-year-old apprentice carpenter, Matthew Rutherford said the competition had given him a “confidence boost”.

---

To listen to the construction news please click below.