NEWS
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR OPENS DOORS TO NEXT GENERATION TO FILL 5,000 JOBS
Northern Ireland’s construction industry has welcomed 500 visitors from diverse educational backgrounds, as well as members of the public, to Build UK’s first Open Doors Week held in the region. Co-ordinated by Construction Futures over March 18-22, the initiative featured more than 35 events across 18 locations, with 15 companies generously opening their doors. The Construction Employers Federation estimates that 5,000 new workers are needed in Northern Ireland by 2028, with recruitment one of the biggest challenges currently facing the construction sector. Sites opened to visitors included Heron Bros’ Shared Education Campus in Ballycastle, Henry Bros’ new DVA Test Centre in Mallusk, GEDA’s Dungannon Waste Water Treatment plant and Ganson’s new Hamilton Dock hotel project in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter Belfast. Students wearing hard hats and high- visibility vests were given exclusive behind- the-scenes tours of the sites, factories
and company headquarters. They engaged in hands- on demonstrations, had the chance to operate equipment and took part in tasks providing valuable insights
into the varied roles and responsibilities available within the industry. Construction Futures also welcomed representatives from the Department of Education, Department for the Economy, local MLAs, the Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Belfast Lord Mayor and members of the Northern Ireland Skills Council, who all showed strong support for the initiative. Open Doors, which has been running across England, Scotland and Wales for the past decade, saw a record-breaking 7000-
Fionnuala McKenna (left), Head of Strategic Development, Construction Futures, Belfast Mayor Micky Murray (centre), and Jenni Marshall (right), Education Engagement Co-Ordinator, Construction Futures are pictured with a Ganson representative and students from Regent House.
plus visitors UK-wide this year. Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development, Construction Futures NI said, “There is a career for everyone in construction, male and female, whatever their background, skills or interests. Construction Futures aims to help more people to see the possibilities and pathways into the industry.” www.constructionfuturesni.com
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