Economy Minister backs Open Doors 2026 construction initiative

PICTURED ABOVE: Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA pictured at the Dundonald Ice Bowl regeneration site with Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development at Construction Futures, and Martin O’Kane, Vice Chairman of Heron Bros and Construction Futures Borad Director, marking the launch of Open Doors 2026, a UK-wide initiative opening construction sites across Northern Ireland to inspire future talent into the industry. 

Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, visited the Dundonald International Ice Bowl regeneration site on Monday 12th January to mark the launch of Open Doors 2026, the UK-wide initiative designed to inspire the next generation into construction careers.

Delivered by Build UK in partnership with Construction Futures in Northern Ireland, Open Doors will run from Monday, March 23 to Saturday, March 28 2026, offering strictly pre-booked, behind-the-scenes visits to live construction sites, offices, manufacturing facilities, builders’ merchants and training centres across the region.

This year, the Department for the Economy has joined Construction Futures as a key partner for Open Doors in Northern Ireland. Through its Careers Service, the Department is supporting promotion of the initiative to widen access to impartial careers advice and encourage people of all ages to consider construction as a modern, inclusive and future-focused career choice.

The Dundonald International Ice Bowl site, a major regeneration project, provided a powerful backdrop for the launch, highlighting the scale, innovation and career opportunities within Northern Ireland’s construction industry. During Open Doors week, similar projects will open their doors to students, career changers and jobseekers, giving them direct access to real working environments and the professionals shaping the built environment.

Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “The Open Doors initiative reflects my commitment to expanding skills training and career opportunities in the construction sector, which is vital to the economy. By showcasing the wide range of careers available we are encouraging more people to consider construction as a rewarding and sustainable career.

Employers, particularly small businesses, also play a crucial role by creating and offering apprenticeships. Working in partnership with industry this helps to ensure our skills system is inclusive, responsive to future needs and supports the growth of the economy.”

Northern Ireland’s first Open Doors week in March 2025 welcomed more than 500 visitors to over 35 events across 18 locations, with strong support from industry, local councils and government representatives. Feedback from the initiative showed that 88% of visitors were more likely to consider a career in construction after attending.

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With the latest CITB Construction Workforce Outlook estimating that the industry needs to recruit around 5,000 additional workers in Northern Ireland by 2029, Open Doors plays a vital role in addressing skills shortages by connecting people directly with employers and career pathways.

Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development at Construction Futures, said: “Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity to see what it’s really like to work in construction. Young people rarely get direct access to sites, so this is a unique chance to experience real working environments and discover just how many different opportunities exist.

There really is a role for everyone in construction, whether hands-on or office-based, and planting that seed early allows people to see careers they may never have considered and ultimately shape their future.”

Mark Spence, Chief Executive of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), added: “One of the biggest challenges facing our industry is attracting and retaining skilled people. Through Construction Futures, we are working together to make construction a first-choice career. Open Doors provides the perfect platform for young people and career changers to see just how broad, innovative and technology-driven the modern industry is.”

Throughout the week, companies across Northern Ireland will host pre-booked visits for schools, colleges, universities, and those considering a career change. Visitors will gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how projects are planned, built and managed, while meeting professionals working across disciplines including engineering, sustainability, architecture, and technology.

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Construction businesses of all sizes are encouraged to take part in Open Doors 2026 and can register now by visiting opendoors.construction. Information and support is available for those looking to host events for the first time.

Schools, colleges and groups are able to view participating sites and book visits now via www.constructionfuturesni.com/open-doors-live-bookings.