Andrew Hockey, CEO of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), said the sector desperately “needs new talent”, with the region’s workforce forecasted to increase by 12pc in the next five years.

ECITB scholars welding at REAGIT in Norwich (Image: ECITB)

But the industry is facing a skills shortage, with 60pc of employers in the East experiencing challenges hiring skilled workers, and more than a third of the area's workforce now over 50.

“As one of the core industrial cluster hot spots, the East of England already employs large numbers in ECI sectors, such as nuclear, oil and gas, renewables, food and drink processing and water treatment,” Mr Hockey said.

Andrew Hockey, ECITB chief executive (Image: ECITB)

“With this growing demand for skilled workers comes opportunities for young people, particularly in East Anglia, to embark on careers that can make a real difference in an industry that will be critical to achieve net zero.

“These opportunities exist in trades such as mechanical and electrical engineers, scaffolders, project managers, pipefitters and welders, to name but a few.”

Andrew Hockey with ECITB colleagues and scholars at East Coast College in Lowestoft (Image: ECITB)

To combat the skills shortage, the ECITB has developed a range of initiatives to create pathways into the industry for new entrants and young people.

The ECITB Scholarship has been producing new talent for over five years, supporting the next generation of workers at centres such as REAGIT in Norwich and East Coast College in Lowestoft.

“Learners pursue a full-time, off-the-job programme over one or two years and receive a weekly learner allowance,” Mr Hockey added.

ECITB scholars at East Coast College in Lowestoft doing working at height training (Image: ECITB)

“On successful completion of the programme, scholars have industry-standard qualifications, relevant site training and invaluable on-site experience coupled with a clear understanding of what is expected of them when they enter industry - all of which enhances their employment prospects.”

The UK's engineering construction workforce could total more than 135,000 workers by 2030 to meet the demand - an increase of 19pc on the current number of workers in the industry.

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