A SHORTAGE of skilled construction workers could threaten major regeneration projects in Gwent, it is feared.

Newport's massive redevelopment projects alone will need more than 3,000 construction workers, and many hundreds more will be needed across Gwent, with the redevelopment project in Cwmbran town centre, the Corus redevelopment in Ebbw Vale and work to bring council housing up to Assembly standards.

Last week the Assembly administration launched a construction strategy to work with councils, training bodies and contractors to make sure there is no skills shortage and promote local jobs.

In Newport an initiative will soon be officially launched to promote the use of local people in the construction industry.

A huge workforce will be needed to complete the major projects earmarked for the city, including the £150 million city centre development.

John Burrows, chief executive of regeneration body Newport Unlimited, said: "We have so many construction projects there will be a huge amount of work in the city. Most contractors will bring in their own workforce but many local people will be needed."

The council cabinet member for development and employment, Councillor Erryl Heath, said: "The city council is aware there's a tremendous gap, we just don't have these people.

"We are looking at all aspects as a matter of urgency because it's imperative. There are so many other big projects around the country we need to make sure we have the skills in place."

Newport Construction Initiative (NCI), with Jobcentre Plus and CITB Constructionskills, is set to launch the Construction Employment Charter, a voluntary code of practice encouraging builders to recruit local people.

Blaenau Gwent council have inserted a social clause in contracts for the regeneration of the Ebbw Vale steelworks, stating they have to employ a number of local people.

Torfaen council, however, say there is no shortage of skills in the area. Coleg Gwent are working with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to promote construction courses.

Principal Howard Burton said: "My concern is that there is going to be a shortfall in recruits to the industry. We have to face the fact that we are in an international market for these types of skills.

"We are suddenly going to have these big infrastructure developments such as the Newport regeneration and we want a home-grown workforce."

Heads of the college's construction departments are meeting to come up with a strategy to meet the new demand for workers, and the college could expand its construction courses.

Wyn Pritchard, of CITB Wales, praised the Newport initiative, but warned that top-level jobs could be lost if action is not taken.

He said: "The biggest challenge is not at the craft level but professionals such as quantity surveyors and chartered surveyors.

"We haven't cracked getting the right balance of students having the right ability to meet the industry's requirements. If we are not careful we could see a brain drain."