Construction Futures: Bridging industry and education
The construction industry plays a vital role in shaping Northern Ireland’s economy, contributing to essential infrastructure, housing, and commercial development.
All key areas that our government has pledged to focus on in the next 10 to 15 years. But as skill shortages loom and technology reshapes the built environment, deepening the link between education and industry has never been more important. Launched in 2024, Construction Futures is an industry-led initiative by the Construction Employers Federation in partnership with Unite and GMB trade unions.
The platform connects the education sector with the construction industry, supporting individuals in navigating career opportunities within Northern Ireland’s construction sector. It offers practical resources and guidance, including industry focused careers advice, company updates, financial support, events and educational initiatives, all in one place.
To strengthen the link between industry and education, Construction Futures offers a growing suite of tools and programmes:
- Social channels: Offering up to date industry insight and guidance to help individuals take the leap from education into a rewarding career in Northern Ireland’s construction industry. Explore more at linktr.ee/constructionfuturesni
- Website: A one-stop portal is currently in development to provide access and signpost to Northern Ireland’s construction and built environment sectors. It will include relevant course information, industry opportunities, and support greater collaboration between the construction and education sectors.
- Programmes: Targeted initiatives are being developed in response to the needs of both education and industry:
- Open Doors, coordinated by Construction Futures in March, gave students and teachers across Northern Ireland a rare chance to visit live construction sites, offices, and factories, and meet professionals from across the industry. In its pilot year, the initiative hosted 35 events in partnership with 15 companies across 19 locations, with plans to expand next year. Construction Futures’ support not only strengthened links between educators and industry, but also enabled new employers to get involved, whilst enhancing the experience for those already familiar with outreach activities.
- At primary level, our newest pilot initiative, STEMStruct, delivered in partnership with Sentinus, introduces construction and STEM concepts to 10–11-year-olds through hands-on learning and role play. Pupils take on roles such as architect, engineer, builder, and sustainability manager to design future ready towns and homes. The programme also creates a valuable opportunity for industry to engage more directly with the education sector, helping to improve perceptions of the sector while supporting companies in meeting their CSR responsibilities.
Construction Futures is helping to bridge the gap between education and the construction industry, opening doors, shifting perceptions, and preparing a new generation to build Northern Ireland’s future.
E: info@constructionfuturesni.com
W: www.constructionfuturesni.com
S: linktr.ee/constructionfuturesni
