The construction sector is going to need an additional 110,000 new workers at least over the next three years to keep pace with the demand for activity, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has said.
"In the coming weeks, the government will announce an investment programme worth €115 billion that will mean the construction industry will provide career security for the next decade," said the CIF's Dermot Carey. "In addition, the government has unveiled a plan to produce 35,000 houses per year for the next five years. So there will be an abundance of work for young people starting their careers.
Technology-driven careers
"Overall, we estimate that the industry needs at least 110,000 new workers over the next three years to keep pace with the demand for activity. The industry now provides technology-driven careers in addition to engineering roles and of course traditional trades.
"Increasingly construction companies are now internationalising and they require talent in finance, operations, marketing just like every other sector.
"As the global construction industry grows by 50 per cent up to 2030, working in any role within an Irish construction company gives you skills that can act as a passport to work in any country. Increasingly, our employees, who are building for Facebook, Amazon, Google and other global companies, are being recruited to work in other countries," Carey added.
Transition year initiative launched
Linked to this, a transition year initiative to facilitate students interested in working in Ireland’s construction companies, has been inveiled by the CIF. The initiative will see students completing work experience in the offices of construction companies in addition to on construction sites.
“The construction industry has undergone significant changes in the past decade," Carey, who is the CIF director of safety and training, said. "Technology, safety, equality and diversity and salaries have all improved significantly recently.
"The industry recognises it is competing with other industries in vying for the best talent. So, we have launched this initiative to show transition year students that the industry is very safe, it provides a secure career path and increasing salaries; and is increasingly diverse.
"We need to show young people that there are many very modern and innovative roles on offer. This initiative will enable companies to give Transition Year (TY) students a chance to experience construction in the very best way and exploring their interests.”
The construction industry has hired an additional 50,000 jobs since the recovery began in 2013. The ESRI estimates that the industry is at 50 per cent of the level considered essential to the Irish economy. According to DKM Economic Consultants, the industry is set to grow by between nine and 14 per cent this year.