Charles promotes apprenticeships

Prince Charles is keen to promote practical trades

Prince Charles is trying to tempt young people away from a job sitting in front of a computer screen into a life of craftsmanship.

The prince was spending his 54th birthday attending a special vocational careers fair - Skillscity - in Manchester.

I am a huge believer in the importance of craftsmanship

Prince Charles

The event, organised by the Prince's Trust and the charity UK Skills, aims to raise the profile of careers such as carpentry and plumbing.

Up to 85,000 people are expected to attend over the next four days.

The fair comes as a poll of 1,000 adults by the Prince's Trust found 50% of 18 to 24 year olds thought becoming an accountant was "desirable" or "very desirable".

But just 12% said the same for becoming a plumber, 11% for becoming a bricklayer and 38% a model.

Skills shortage

The Trust's survey found the skills shortage was affecting consumers, with householders finding it harder to secure good trades people at a reasonable price.

The overall effect of the problem costs the UK economy £10bn a year, it is estimated.

There was no way I could have been a 'pen-pusher' - I just need a chance to learn a trade

David Ash, self-employed builder

Rachel Faulkner from the Trust said: "UK employers are currently experiencing problems filling up to 23% of vacancies due to a shortage of sufficiently skilled personnel."

"Nearly twice as many plumbers are leaving the trade than those training to join it," she said.

"And it is predicted that nearly 5,000 new plumbers will be needed in the next five years to replace those retiring from the trade - currently, only 2,000 are in training."

Apprenticeships

Prince Charles recently expressed his concern that more young people were not taking up a vocational skill.

"I think we are wasting huge amounts of talent in this country. I don't think you can sit in front of a screen forever. We should be encouraging more apprenticeships," he said.

"I am a huge believer in the importance of craftsmanship, in encouraging young people into professions which are not necessarily desk-bound and management-orientated - and actually using their unfulfilled vocational talents."

'Pen-pushers'

David Ash, who runs his own building company, said he was given a break in business when he was given a loan by the Prince's Trust.

Now, Phoenix Building Contractors employs four people - including an apprentice - and everything is going "quite well", Mr Ash said.

"A lot of kids now want to sit behind a desk and do a computer job but there was no way I could have been a 'pen-pusher'. I just need a chance to learn a trade," Mr Ash said.

"The apprentice I have got now was the same. He didn't know what he wanted to do but is showing the potential to be a really good lad. Only time will tell but at least he's getting the chance."

Skilled workforce

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined business and union leaders in calling for a better skilled workforce.

The Confederation of British Industry and the TUC said low skills were costing the British economy £10bn a year.

They said it was a "national disgrace" that seven million adults did not have the literacy and numeracy levels of children starting secondary school.

Mr Blair added: "For too long skills development has been based on what is provided - not what is needed."

"I believe that for government to deliver improvements, public services have to be built around the needs of customers."