A new event taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse in November aims to find practical solutions to the county's growing shortage of construction skills.

Organised by not for profit membership organisation Gloucester Construction Training Group (GCTG), the Construction Skills Conference will bring together educators and construction companies to share ideas and explore ways to tackle the problem.

The event will include a mix of presentations and workshops, enabling attendees to find out about initiatives already taking place, share their experiences and ideas and put forward suggestions for tackling the problem.

They can focus on topics they have a particular interest in and be confident that their voice will be heard, according to organisers.

Topics range from removing the barriers to apprenticeships and the use of e-learning to retaining talent and how to recruit ex-Services personnel.

The CITB has provided funding for the event which is open to all employers and educators working in the construction sector and costs just £35.00+ VAT, with members of GTCG event receiving one free place.

GCTG was established in 2004 and is a not for profit membership organisation funded by the CITB.

It works to support training within the construction sector and promote construction as a positive career choice.

Membership is open to all construction companies based in Gloucestershire and the M4 corridor in North Wiltshire. For further information about membership email info@gctraining.group or call 07543 185045.

The Construction Skills Conference is due to take place on Thursday, November 1, from 8.15am to 2.15pm. Visit Eventbrite.co.uk to find out more.