ORGANISATIONS across the city are joining forces to encourage young people into the construction industry.

As part of the York Skills Strategy, a one day event is being hosted this week by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), The North Yorkshire Construction Training Group, Simpson (York) Ltd and City of York Council.

The event, on Friday 27, is designed to raise awareness of construction and the built environment and the various routes into the industry.

The latest research shows that more than 15,000 jobs will be created in Yorkshire and Humber over the next five years in a range of trades and professions.

In York the construction industry has been identified as one of the key areas for development and growth with an emerging skills shortage.

Cllr James Alexander, leader of City of York Council, said: “The construction industry a very real career choice for young people from a wide range of backgrounds in York and North Yorkshire, particularly given the existing skills shortage

"I’m delighted that organisations across the city are working together to support young people into training and employment.”

Aimed at careers advisers and teachers, the day will explore the range of careers in the industry and the routes and progression into them, with a particular focus on trade and technical apprenticeships.

The event will include a visit to the live construction site at York Art Gallery, which is managed by the independent charitable organisation, York Museums Trust.