Welsh policy makers should confront the pressing challenges in the country’s construction industry in order to fulfil its potential, according to CITB Cymru Wales.

Strategic Director of the group, Mark Bodger, believes that more effort should be put in by officials in order to make the most of the sector’s optimistic outlook.

Mr Bodger issued his support of the plan to construct a National Infrastructure Commission, and believes the scheme may be the catalyst to spur on much needed wider growth in the industry.

He said that there is much potential in the Welsh construction business, with an expected expansion of the country’s infrastructure output and more and more young people taking part in apprenticeship schemes in the building trade.

Because of this, he said that steps now need to be taken in order to face up to the industry’s pressing challenges ahead.

Mr Bodger believes that there is a requirement for more certainty for major projects such as the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power plant, the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and the Circuit of Wales.

He also noted that the new infrastructure commission must place much of its focus on the construction sector’s skills development.

He said it is vital for the commission to embed a strong skills element from the very start, as training the Welsh workforce will have positive benefits for the wider Welsh economy while reducing the skills gap.

He proposes that this will be achieved through attracting people back into the industry, up-skilling and through apprenticeship schemes.

Mr Bodger added that a skills boost would offer wider economic and social benefits, including a reduction of unemployment, homelessness and poverty levels.

The expert concluded by stating that the National Infrastructure Commission should try to get the construction sector going in a forward direction to drive the industry forward in Wales.