Skills for a stronger, sustainable construction industry
At the forefront of Northern Ireland’s construction industry, CITB NI has long played a leading role in identifying skills and training needs and supporting the sector’s growth and development.
Today, the industry stands at a pivotal moment, with demand for housing, infrastructure, and a net zero built environment accelerating, while persistent skills shortages, an ageing workforce, and the need to adopt new technologies and modern methods of delivery present significant challenges.
At CITB NI, we are focused on ensuring the industry is equipped to meet these challenges and shape a stronger, more sustainable future.
Recent figures from the Construction Workforce Outlook (CWO) Labour Market Intelligence Report for Northern Ireland forecast that construction output will grow at an average annual rate of 2.3 per cent. The report also highlights the need for an additional 1,090 workers each year, approximately 5,450 extra construction workers between 2025 and 2029. This projected growth underscores the importance of CITB NI’s ongoing work in addressing the sector’s evolving skills needs.
Over the past year, CITB NI has continued to invest significantly in workforce development. £2.26 million in training grants was provided to construction companies across Northern Ireland, while more than 2,000 individuals completed essential health and safety training to help maintain high standards across sites and workplaces. In addition, around 1,500 apprentices have been supported through apprenticeship grants over the past nine years, helping to build the next generation of skilled professionals.
CITB NI also delivers a wide range of training programmes, including those offered through the Mobile Training Unit, scaffolding courses, and specialist short courses, many developed in partnership with industry. Building on this collaborative approach, CITB NI is delivering heritage skills training across Northern Ireland, helping to unlock employment opportunities while raising awareness of the region’s built heritage. This initiative supports the preservation of traditional crafts while strengthening the pipeline of skilled workers.
Further to this, CITB NI has secured funding from The National Lottery Fund to deliver the Future for Thatch project, which aims to address the challenges facing thatching and thatched buildings across the island of Ireland. The project focuses on training the next generation of thatchers, alongside an outreach programme designed to engage schoolchildren and community groups.
One of the most encouraging developments in recent years has been collaboration with employers and stakeholders to establish entry-level skills academies. These academies provide structured pathways into construction, combining practical training with industry-aligned skills development. Early results have been highly positive, and this model has the potential to become a cornerstone of future workforce development.
A collaborative, industry-led approach remains at the core of CITB NI’s strategy for developing training and skills solutions. Looking ahead, key priorities include strengthening the existing workforce, attracting new entrants, and building capability in areas such as digital construction, emerging technologies, and sustainability.
CITB NI will also continue to align with government priorities and review its training interventions to ensure the industry is supported in the most effective and efficient way possible.
CITB NI
Nutts Corner Training Centre
17 Dundrod Road
Crumlin, Co Antrim, BT29 4SR
T: 028 90825 466
E: info@citbni.org.uk
W: www.citbni.org.uk
