NEWS
Workloads in Northern Ireland construction fell at a reduced rate at the end of last year compared to the previous two quarters, despite on- going concerns about Covid-19 and a growing weakness in commercial development, according to the RICS and Tughans Construction and Infrastructure Monitor, Q4 2020. At a sector level, there were rises in workload balances for both public and private house building and a modest increase in infrastructure workloads. However private commercial and private industrial workloads were reported to have experienced steep falls. RICS Northern Ireland construction spokesman, Jim Sammon, said: “Again in Q4, like in the previous quarter, we see an easing in the rate of decline in construction workloads. However it was still another challenging one for the sector. Respondents are highlighting a range of challenges and concerns around material availability and cost increases. General uncertainty in the economy linked to Covid and post Brexit is also as a potential deterrent to workload growth.” NI CONSTRUCTION DECLINEEASES ANDWORKLOAD EXPECTATIONS IMPROVE
Aspiring construction apprentices Rebecca McCleary (17) and Jake Bishop (18) with Amanda Stevenson from CITB NI.
At the end of last year CITB NI, with funding from the Department for the Economy’s Apprenticeship Challenge fund, launched a new scheme called Apprenticeship Connect NI. The aim was to help match construction employers and prospective craft apprentices. Since then, the scheme has worked with 25 companies and identified over 40 opportunities, which are now waiting to be matched with the right apprentices. If you (or someone you know) are aged 16-24 years, and thinking about joining the construction industry, why not take the next step in your future by applying for an apprenticeship? The scheme, in collaboration with employer and apprentice service provider Workplus, encourages apprentices to consider the benefits of an apprenticeship in the construction industry. This includes: earn while you learn, gain qualifications and receive off the job training in your specific field. Visit: http://bit.ly/ApprenticeshipConnectNI to apply. But hurry, the application deadline is February 26. CONSTRUCTIONAPPRENTICESGETREADY TOCONNECTWITHEMPLOYERS
For further information, call Amanda Stevenson on 07753971878, email: Amanda.stevenson@citbni.org.uk or visit www.citbni.org.uk
NEWPRESIDENTFORHAI
Michael O’Donohoe,
as membership of the Construction Industry Council. Michael has a B.Sc. in Applied Sciences from Trinity College, an M.Sc. in Executive Leadership from the University of Ulster and is also a member of both the Marketing Institute of Ireland and the Institute of Directors. In his new role as President of the HAI, Michael aims to widen the association’s membership
Country Director at Wavin Ireland, is the new HAI President for 2021- 2022.
Well-known and respected in the
industry, Michael has been on the board of HAI since early 2017 and he has been Country Director of Wavin for the last six years. Prior to joining Wavin, Michael worked for nearly 20 years in various sales and marketing roles in various sectors.
Michael O’Donohoe, President HAI
while also keeping the focus on representing members interests and trying to positively
Aside from his role in HAI, Michael has other links to the construction sector through his chair of both the Building Materials Federation and the Irish Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association, as well
influence government policies. For HAI membership enquiries, call: +353 (0)1 298 0969 or visit: www.hardwareassociation.ie
Jim Sammon, RICS NI Construction
32 | NI BUILDER
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