Construction Futures launched to tackle industry skills shortage
Construction Futures NI Launches at Northern Regional College, Ballymena, outlining industry efforts to progress skills agenda
Pictured above: Employers, apprentices, government officials, and representatives from Higher and Further Education, as well as the industry, come together to launch the collaborative Construction Futures initiative.
Construction Futures officially launched this week with an event at the Northern Regional College Ballymena campus construction site. The new organisation is a collaborative initiative, led by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) alongside representatives from the Unite and GMB Unions, which aims to address the critical skills shortage in the local construction industry by aligning educational programs with industry needs and promoting careers in construction.
The company was formed following the landmark EY Industry Skills Review (PDF) carried out by the construction sector and trade unions in July 2023 to identify the challenges faced by employees and employers and to develop meaningful solutions that improve the sector's attractiveness and support sustainable careers.
Apprentices, Industry leaders, education and government representatives attended the event at the new £51 million campus to hear about the initiative, which seeks to empower the next generation of construction professionals.
Pictured L-R are: Gareth Loye, CEO of Mascott Construction; Abbie Foster, Apprentice Joiner at Mivan and M&M Contractors; Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills Department at the Department for the Economy; and Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development at Construction Futures.
Speakers included Sean Laverty, Chief Operating Officer of NRC, Kathleen O’Hare, Chair of the NI Skills Council, and Martin O’Kane, Vice Chair of Heron Bros. They provided insights into the initiative's targets and ongoing partnerships, emphasising the importance of a united approach to overcoming the industry's challenges.
Discussions amongst attendees underscored the importance of proactive measures to address the construction industry's evolving challenges, including the transition to a green economy, digitisation, and the adoption of new technologies. The acute shortage of skills and talent entering the industry was cited as the single biggest threat, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.
A highlight of the morning was the group photo call, which showcased the collective effort of the Construction Futures Board, construction employers, apprentices, and other stakeholders. Attendees then participated in site tours of the new campus, gaining first-hand insight into the ongoing project, which is currently under construction by Heron Bros and, once completed, will see three Northern Regional College locations consolidated into one central site.
Apprentices from across Northern Ireland pictured attending the launch of Construction Futures at the new Northern Regional College campus in Ballymena.
Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development at Construction Futures, commented:
"The launch of Construction Futures marks a significant step forward in aligning our educational frameworks with the real-world needs of the construction industry. By fostering close collaboration between educators and industry leaders, we aim not only to address the current skills gap collaboratively but also to empower young people, career changers, and the economically inactive with the tools necessary to navigate successful careers in construction, starting here in Northern Ireland."
Martin O’Kane, also a Board Director of Construction Futures, added:
“Construction Futures represents a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between industry and education. By working together, we can create a sustainable and skilled workforce that meets the needs of our industry.”
