News
CITB NI helping encourage the next generation
CITB NI have launched a three-year careers strategy to help promote careers in construction and encourage the next generation of the opportunities a career in the industry can bring.
Skills shortages, an ageing workforce, poor perception of the industry and low numbers of apprentices joining the industry are putting the construction industry at risk. Consequently, the industry needs to do more to successfully promote itself to young people and careers influencers and meet the future demand for additional people.
The CITB NI careers strategy focuses on employers, young people and their influencers and will help promote and provide information and initiatives to demonstrate how construction is a viable career option as well as encouraging employment opportunities and investment in apprenticeships.
The strategy incorporates activities such as an enhanced construction ambassador programme, careers events, adopt a school and job sampling initiatives as well as videos, advertising, sponsorship and training.
Barry Neilson Chief Executive, CITB NI said, “Construction is crucial to the success of our economic revival and young people must continue to enter the industry at this time. Over the next five years Northern Ireland will see growth of 0.8% and 2500 new construction workers will be needed. A career in construction is both challenging and rewarding, there are hundreds of roles within the industry from trades to management and design. There are opportunities to work on award winning projects and for people to make their mark on the landscape. There are also excellent opportunities for career progression, travel and developing the skills to start a business. We are working hard to encourage the next generation into construction and to promote the benefits of such a choice. CITB NI will continue to promote and encourage construction as a career choice because this will ultimately help sustain and grow our industry in Northern Ireland.”
If any employer is interested in getting involved in some of the activities such as adopt a school, site visits and job sampling please contact Amanda Stevenson Tel: 028 90824204, email Amanda.stevenson@citbni.org.uk