CITB NI
CITB NI CHIEF EXECUTIVE BARRY NEILSON OBE DISCUSSES SECURING THE FUTURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND… Forging stronger connections between educational institutions and industry
The Northern Ireland construction industry is a resilient one. It is rich in history, central to our local economy and has developed our cities, towns and landscapes. Despite the construction industry experiencing good levels of growth, the industry faces a range of ongoing and emerging challenges; an ageing workforce, declining numbers of new talent entering the industry, technological advances in IT, the drive for energy efficiency and a net-zero carbon society. Almost without exception, every sector of the industry is struggling to recruit good talent and young people, which we are seeing across all sizes of employers. It is essential that we re-think how we attract
the industry has shifted. Direct Labour Organisations have declined in popularity, with construction services increasingly outsourced. Craft apprentices are now generally employed by small- and medium-sized companies, and CITB NI was directed by both industry and government to stop direct entry-level training in favour of the further education sector and commercial training providers. The construction industry today finds itself in competition with emerging sectors that boast enticing opportunities and financial rewards, making them more appealing to the younger generation. Over time, there has been a shift in the attitudes and perceptions of both the youth and their parents and, generally, construction
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive, CITB NI.
last few years will be invaluable in trying to create an ecosystem that develops individuals that leave school with the core skills and attitudes that the sector needs, and the support to continue their lifelong learning journey through the industry. The landscape over 30 years ago was vastly different, with direct training support for craft apprentices from governmental Direct Labour Organisations, and construction companies of all sizes employed and trained entry-level people (unskilled, apprentices and graduates) to meet their future needs. At that time, CITB NI provided direct training for school leavers as a stepping stone into formal apprenticeship training and the image and perception of construction as a career option was attractive to both young people, parents and teachers. However, the landscape of
new entrants into the construction sector. We need to look at potential sources of entrants from other sectors including those who have not yet prospered in school or further education, the justice system, people with disabilities, and of course equalising the gender imbalance. We should look at equality and diversity in its true form and seek talent from all sources. We also need to encourage and instil core values and attitudes early in education, fostering continuous learning and collaboration, to build a secure long-term workforce. It is crucial that we develop stronger connections between educational institutions and industry and engage individuals across all sectors to raise awareness of construction career paths, attracting a diverse and skilled workforce to meet future industry needs. The links forged by CITB NI over the
is perceived less appealing as a career option. However, with varied and wide-ranging opportunities, a career in construction is challenging, exciting and rewarding. From design, construction and maintenance of buildings to infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, tunnels and waterways, construction boasts a variety of careers including skilled trades, IT, marketing, project management, design and much more. At CITB NI, we have been working with industry employers and federations through the Department for the Economy Built Environment Sectoral Partnership (BESP) to review and refresh the apprenticeship frameworks, engaging directly with employers. This process will need to be refreshed soon to meet the changing needs of the economy and the BESP itself needs
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