MSPs want to encourage more young people to consider a career in building trades and get more young women into apprenticeships.

The Scottish Parliament Economy committee is to carry out an inquiry into the construction industry and how it can drive the Scottish economy.

It will look at various aspects of the industry including how firms can access finance, get the right mix of skills needed for the workforce and what infrastructure is needed.

Ensuring there are enough young people looking to forge a career in the building industry is key to the inquiry and reducing the gender gap in a male dominated sector will be closely looked a with schools and colleges.

Gordon Lindhurst, committee convenor, said: “Construction is a vital sector in Scotland as it drives and underpins the economy with its knock-on effect on other sectors.

“ The sector also delivers infrastructure for housing, transport, education and community, and contributes £21.5 billion to Scotland’s gross domestic product.

We also want to find out how we can encourage young people to work in the industry.”