BLOKES, bums and bricks" - that's the image that is putting women off from working in construction, warns a new report.

More than 68,000 construction workers are needed across the south-west and south-east over the next four years - but only one per cent will be women if trends continue.

Women are desperately needed to fill building jobs. Channel 4 presenter June Sarpong was today launching a new campaign aimed at challenging the sector's male domination.

"Sisters are building it for themselves" is the strapline as ConstructionSkills, the industry's sector skills agency, targets women - notably graduates.

"The construction industry is missing out on much-needed talent due to an outdated image that's a real turn-off for women and those from ethnic minorities," said CITB-ConstructionSkills' Nicola Thompson.

"Like other industries, construction is moving with the times and this campaign is an investment in its life-blood."

By 2008 this region (south west) will need:

1,640 managers

760 professionals

1,760 clerical staff

1,280 electricians

880 painters/decorators

1,480 bricklayers.

"As the industry has developed, we have ever-growing numbers of openings for more technically qualified employees as changing building techniques demand greater science-based skills of its workforce."

Last month the Equal Opportunities Commission reported that girls from lower social groups were being denied access to careers advice, work experience and training.

Last year just 22 young women in England took up plumbing apprenticeships, compared with more than 3,000 young men.