CITB NEWS
THROUGH TRAINING INITIATIVES, PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS AND INDUSTRY- LED COLLABORATIONS, CITB NI AIMS TO ENSURE THE SECTOR HAS THE SKILLED, DIVERSE AND FUTURE-READY WORKFORCE IT NEEDS… CITB NI: quipping the workforce for tomorrow’s construction industry
Since 1964, CITB NI has played a vital role in supporting the skills development and training needs of Northern Ireland’s construction sector, and its commitment to the industry remains stronger than ever. CITB NI currently supports over 3,000 registered construction employers, providing £2m in training grants last year alone. Over the past eight years, more than 1,200 apprentices have also benefitted from financial assistance through apprenticeship grants, reinforcing the organisation’s dedication to nurturing new talent. With the construction industry in Northern Ireland forecast to grow by 2.8% annually and needing an additional 5,200 workers by 2028 (Construction Skills Network Labour Market Intelligence Report 2024–2028), CITB NI is stepping up to meet demand. Through a series of training initiatives, promotional campaigns and industry-led collaborations, it aims to ensure the sector has the skilled, diverse and future-ready workforce it needs. Careers promotion is a core focus for CITB NI. Its Build Your Career – A Future in Construction programme runs bootcamps for students and collaborates with schools to promote industry careers. Recent partnerships with W5 and Cool FM provided opportunity for hundreds of Year 10 and 12 pupils to sample hands-on construction experiences and learn more about apprenticeships. CITB NI also supports a Careers Ambassador initiative, where industry professionals share their stories at careers fairs and school events. Resources including a dedicated careers web portal – www.citbni.org.uk/careers – provide invaluable guidance for students, teachers and parents alike. For those facing barriers to employment, CITB NI is widening entry routes through collaborations with organisations such as NIACRO, offering innovative pathways from the justice system into
L-R: Hannah McAreavey, H&J Martin, and Barry Neilson OBE, CITB NI, are pictured at a NI Apprenticeship Week Careers Event for students at W5, promoting careers in construction.
“CITB NI currently supports over 3,000 registered construction employers, providing £2m in training grants last year alone.”
the construction workforce. Tools such as Virtual and Augmented Reality are also being developed to help promote the industry in engaging new ways. CITB NI also continues to invest in niche skills and long-term sector needs. The Heritage Training Programme, delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division, will preserve traditional skills and develop employment in conservation and restoration. This project shines a light on our built heritage while creating job opportunities and developing specialist talent. Through its Training in Partnership scheme, CITB NI has invested £1.8m in federations and representative bodies delivering targeted programmes such as Mental Health Training, Women in Plant and the Roofing Apprenticeship Scheme.
Meanwhile, Scaffolding Training at Nutts Corner continues under the CISRS scheme, ensuring industry-recognised certification for workers in this high- demand area. Industry challenges such as skills shortages, an ageing workforce and increasing pressure to achieve net-zero targets exist, but CITB NI supports industry resilience and growth. Its collaborative, forward-thinking approach ensures both SMEs and larger firms benefit from tailored training and support solutions.
To learn more, visit www.citbni.org.uk or follow CITB NI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X
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