The skills shortage in the house-building industry is apparently all the fault of parents failing to point their children in the right direction.

That’s according to the NHBC Foundation, which says parents are simply not doing enough to encourage children into the building trade.

A ComRes poll of 1,064 parents found that 42% of parents said they would not be likely to encourage their teenage children to pursue a career in the house-building industry.

These findings have raised concern that a lack of parental support may be preventing youngsters from pursuing a hugely rewarding career in one of the UK’s most successful and thriving industries at a time of huge demand for high quality new homes.

NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton said: “House-building is a hugely rewarding career which offers good salaries, great opportunities and creates a legacy which will last for generations.

“Parents play a major role in influencing and informing their children about future career choices. We hope that our new online film encourages more parents and young people to consider a career in one of the UK’s most thriving and successful industries.

“With demand for high-quality new houses at high levels, there has never been a better time to begin a career in house-building.”

Just to make the point, the NHBC Foundation has produced this film: