Action plan to boost careers in construction launched by Govt

A plan to boost employment in the construction sector has been launched by the Government.

The 'Careers in Construction Action Plan' identifies the need for the construction industry to recruit and retain a higher number of workers than is currently provided for through education, apprenticeships and current retention levels.

It sets out a series of actions aimed at minimising barriers, promoting career opportunities and making construction jobs more attractive to women.

Reforms in the areas of training and education, more flexible working arrangements and promotional campaigns, are some of the steps included.

"These actions involve fundamental changes to our education sector's skills offering, and include steps to tackling the gender bias in the sector," said Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris.

"Careers in construction are so varied now, involving everything from off-site manufacturing, planning and design, to all of the on-site roles," Mr Harris said.

John O’Shaughnessy, Chair CIF Education, Training & Skills Committee added: "CIF is pleased to be part of the Working Group for the promotion of Careers in Construction and welcomes the 20 action points outlined in the report being launched today.

"There is no doubt that we have a challenge to attract young people to the sector but as a group we are up for that challenge. We know the construction sector offers super careers to young people.

"The big issues that impact on society, such as housing, climate change, infrastructure deficit will be solved by those working in this sector. We need to promote the opportunities that exist, and this action plan set a roadmap for achieving our goals," Mr O'Shaugnessy said.

The Working Group which worked to develop the Action Plan comprised government departments and agencies, professional representative bodies and industry representative partners.