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You are here - Research Report reveals over 5,000 construction workers needed by 2026

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Research Report reveals over 5,000 construction workers needed by 2026

New figures from Construction Skills Network (CSN), Labour Market Intelligence Report for Northern Ireland forecasts a big rise in the demand for construction workers over the next five years.

 The report also reveals that over 5,000 additional construction workers will be needed by 2026 in Northern Ireland to meet growing demand in the industry.

If this projected growth is met, construction employment could reach 64,000 workers by 2026. The largest increases in annual demand are expected to be for occupations such as non - construction professional, technical, IT staff followed by wood and electrical trades.
 
With job vacancies at a record high, and unemployment at its lowest level in 50 years, the report forecasts that recruitment and developing a highly-skilled workforce will be the biggest challenge construction will face over the next five years.
 
Key report highlights include:
 

  • The Annual Recruitment Requirement in Northern Ireland of 1.8% per year means an extra 5,560 workers will be needed from 2022 -2026 (1,130 new workers each year).
  • The strongest recruitment requirement levels will be in non-construction professional, technical, IT and other office based staff (270 per year).
  • The Northern Ireland construction workforce is forecast to increase to 64,000 by 2026.
  • The forecast predicts the volume of construction to grow by an annual average rate of about 2.5% in Northern Ireland.
  • Non -housing Repair & Maintenance (3.6%)  will contribute the most to future growth in Northern Ireland followed by private housing and infrastructure.
 
With such varied and wide-ranging opportunities, a career in construction is challenging, exciting and rewarding. The construction sector is one of Northern Ireland’s largest industries which welcomes everyone from newcomers to people with some experience to career changers. 
 
CITB NI is already preparing for these challenges and opportunities, especially through it continued work promoting construction as an attractive place for everyone to work.  With a focus on supporting training for the industry to rebuild and recover, CITB NI is also committed to delivering on their recently published strategic road map which focuses on establishing a Training Hub, maintaining Quality Standards, continuing Partnership Work and Embracing Innovation.
 
CITB NI Chief Executive Barry Neilson, said:


“The industry forecasts and projections detailed in the latest Construction Skills Network (CSN), Labour Market Intelligence Report for Northern Ireland  are encouraging after the stalling effects of the pandemic. However, we must take into consideration that this is set against a current backdrop of higher energy costs, material shortages, and associated price inflation that is currently hitting companies across the sector.”
 
Barry added:
 
“ CITB NI are aware of the challenges and opportunities ahead and are committed to continuing our role in promoting and attracting people into our sector. Training routes into the industry will be a focus for us and we must attract and retain those that are under-represented to ensure construction is a diverse and inclusive sector  It will be a major task, but construction needs to evolve and reach its untapped potential for the national economy and our competitiveness on a global scale.” 
 
Download the detailed Construction Skills Network Report at https://bit.ly/3OaMYfF
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