More women from ethnic minorities are being sought

ConstructionSkills, the sector skills agency for the industry, is targeting women from black and ethnic minority groups in the four-year campaign.

The organisation says it wants to dispel the industry's biased image of "blokes, bums and bricks".

Experts point to a shortage of new recruits at a time when major projects are being commissioned in the region.

Current major projects include regeneration projects in both Stockton and Newcastle, while proposed projects include the East Coast Mainline upgrade and regeneration of the north dock at Hartlepool.

Grant scheme

Nicola Thompson, Director of Communications at CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: "The construction industry is missing out on much-needed talent due to an out-dated image that's a real "turn-off" for women and those from ethnic minorities .

"Like other industries, construction is moving with the times, and this campaign is an investment in its life-blood.

"The industry in the North East has openings for professional and graduate level entrants, from civil engineers to landscape architects.

"For example, between now and 2008, we expect to have opportunities for 888 managers, 400 professionals and 560 clerical staff as well as 520 bricklayers, 400 painters and decorators and 680 electricians."

Recent research by the Equal Opportunities Commission shows that while one in eight girls are keen to work in the industry, just 1% of construction workers is female.

The campaign includes the launch of �1m grant scheme for undergraduates, which offers 60 students a year up to �9,000 to help fund their studies.

Ms Thompson added: "This campaign will showcase the diverse roles that young women and those from black and ethnic minorities could be playing in the next generation of new projects."