Laois students launch new national construction initiatives in schools

A Laois school has taken part in the recent launch of three new construction initiatives to be rolled out in schools nationwide.

Sixth year students from Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlington attended the launch at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone last week.

The event was attended by Minister Marian Harkin and showcased three key programmes aimed at benefiting students and the local workforce. 

Pictured: Sixth year students from Colaiste Íosagáin, Portarlington (front row) and staff, pictured with David Smith, Director of Construction, Quality and Climate Strategy Andrew Brownlee, CEO of CIF, Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Green Skills, Marian Harkin, and Joanne Morrissey, and Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Kevin Boxer Moran.

The Safe Pass for Schools programme, a partnership between SOLAS, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), encourages students in second-level schools to consider careers in construction.

As part of the Safe Pass Programme, students will have access to a dedicated module that offers insights into apprenticeships, professional roles, and innovative construction techniques. This initiative not only supports the development of a skilled future workforce but also addresses current and projected skills shortages across the industry.

The initiative places special emphasis on safety awareness and highlights the diverse pathways available to students in transition year, ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their futures.

There are currently 192,000 people employed in Ireland’s construction sector, with workforce numbers continuing to grow.

However, there is a projected need for an additional 95,000–110,000 workers by 2030 to meet national housing and infrastructure targets. These programmes aim to ensure that local communities and schools like Coláiste Íosagáin are prepared to actively contribute to and benefit from this growth.

The Safe Pass for Schools initiative reflects SOLAS’ commitment to enhancing construction training infrastructure and creating new skills pathways, with direct relevance for Laois students.

Linked to the Government’s Careers in Construction Action Plan, the programme supports efforts to expand employment and skills development in Laois, helping transition year students at Coláiste Íosagáin and other local schools to discover rewarding opportunities in the sector.

The Revised Safe Pass Programme updates the national safety awareness initiative, with approximately 120,000 participants each year, ensuring training reflects modern construction needs and emerging risks.

The Tutor Mental Health Awareness Programme will equip tutors with skills to recognise and address mental health challenges among learners and construction workers. Both programmes, launched locally in 2026, are set to have a positive impact on students and the future workforce.

Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Green Skills, Marian Harkin welcomed the launch.

“In my view the launch of these three programmes is really significant for the construction sector, enabling it to introduce construction education pathways in second level schools in order to help address skills shortages and support students in pursuing rewarding and successful careers," she said.

Pictured: Sixth year students from Colaiste Íosagáin with Andrew Brownlee, CEO of CIF, Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Green Skills, Marian Harkin, and Joanne Morrissey, Manager of Construction Services at SOLAS.

David Smith, Director of Construction, Quality and Climate Strategy at SOLAS also praised the update.

"SOLAS is delighted to launch these programmes which include the Revised Safe Pass Programme. This represents a significant update to Ireland’s national safety awareness training for the construction industry," he said.

"This revised programme has been developed to ensure that safety training reflects modern construction practices. It incorporates insights from training providers, industry experts, regulatory bodies, and educational partners, and is designed to be more engaging and relevant for learners.

"These construction initiatives not only support the development of a skilled future workforce but also address current and projected skills shortages across the industry," Mr Smith finished.

CEO of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Mr Andrew Brownlee recognised the importance of providing knowledge of the many paths a student can choose from.

"It is vital that we introduce construction careers to second level students as they are making important decisions about their futures," Mr Brownlee said.

"We must continue to promote the clear pathways into apprenticeships, trades, and professional roles. This will ensure that we can build a future talent pipeline that is aligned with our national workforce needs, as well as meeting key national targets in relation to housing and infrastructure," he finished.