A debate on The Clive Holland Show saw Charlie Mullins former CEO of Pimlico Plumbers, Joseph Valente, CEO of Trade Mastermind and 2015 Apprentice winner, and Fix Radio’s Roofer of the Year, Danny Madden throw their collective weight behind the Tory leadership candidate’s views that British workers lack the skills and application of their foreign counterparts.

“There are a lot of people out there, in my eyes, that could work but just aren’t willing too,” said Joe Valente.

“If people want to make more, earn more, be more, live more, then they need to level up. People aren’t prepared to do that. When prices go up, when times become tougher people want their employer or the government to step in. But it is down to them to earn what they need to, to add value to the country,” he added.

Regular show contributor, Danny Madden highlighted concerns about a lack of graft in many youngsters that is contributing to the building sector’s skills shortage. Latest government figures estimate there were 42,000 vacancies across the construction sector. 

“Most kids are more inclined to upgrade their mobile phones, rather than upgrade their knowledge by learning a trade and getting into the industry,” said Madden.

“There are easier ways of making money than going out to work in the pouring rain,” he added.

According to Madden, the government and private firms should aim to bring people in their 30s into the industry. 

“The problem we’ve got is that there isn’t funding to give them. Someone who is 35, and wants to change their career, still has bills to pay. They can’t be on a wage that an 18-year-old would be happy with,” he said.

To listen to this week’s show  and extra content on The Clive Holland Show podcast click scroll down.