Building a skilled future: Tackling construction’s workforce challenge
With major infrastructure projects and net zero goals on the horizon, Northern Ireland’s construction sector is facing a growing skills gap and an ageing workforce. CITB NI is addressing this through a clear strategy focused on workforce development, industry promotion, and encouraging new entrants to consider a career within the built environment sector.
According to the latest Construction Skills Network Labour Market Intelligence Report (2024–2028), Northern Ireland’s construction sector is forecast to grow by 2.8 per cent annually, requiring an additional 5,200 workers by 2028. Meeting this demand will require a sector-wide commitment to recruitment, training, and retention.
CITB NI is responding by supporting key training initiatives that upskill the current workforce and prepare new entrants for the evolving demands of the industry. These initiatives also aim to promote diversity and encourage long-term, rewarding careers in construction.
To tackle the sector’s image problem and ageing workforce, CITB NI is focusing on early engagement with young people, educators, and career influencers. Our Build Your Career programme promotes careers in construction and the built environment through targeted outreach to students, teachers, and parents. A dedicated web portal offers up-to-date information on courses, career pathways, case studies, and research.
The Adopt a School Programme connects local construction companies with post-primary schools across Northern Ireland, delivering careers talks, work experience opportunities, events, and site visits that bring the industry to life.
Hands-on engagement remains central to this effort. Through partnerships with local training providers, employers, and W5, CITB NI hosts practical careers events and Bootcamps for pupils in years 10 to 14 at our own training premises at Nutts Corner and external venues.
Beyond early outreach, CITB NI supports longer-term career pathways through the bursary scheme for first-year undergraduate students pursuing construction-related degrees, as well as providing financial support to employers for apprentices. Over the past eight years, more than 1,200 apprentices have been supported through CITB NI’s apprenticeship grant programme.
A recent partnership with NIACRO highlights CITB NI’s inclusive approach. Together, we have developed initiatives to help individuals transition from the justice system into the construction workforce, strengthening social inclusion while addressing labour shortages. This collaboration has also tested innovative virtual and augmented reality tools to promote construction careers in new, engaging ways.
CITB NI continues to spotlight talent through our annual SkillBuild NI Regional Competition, which showcases the excellence of local training and education providers. With categories ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling, the event not only highlights professionalism and craft but also gives school pupils a valuable opportunity to see the industry in action.
As demands on infrastructure and the built environment continue to rise, especially with the drive for energy efficiency and net zero targets, collaborative action is essential. CITB NI is committed to working with contractors, training providers, and professional and trade bodies to ensure better alignment across the industry and deliver practical, future-focused skills solutions.
To learn more about CITB NI’s programmes, strategic partnerships, and upcoming initiatives:
W: www.citbni.org.uk
CITB NI
17 Dundrod Road
Crumlin
BT29 4SR
