The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is launching a national competition for senior cycle students called 'A Home for Everyone'.

Aimed at senior cycle students, it is a team-based project where students work together to design a home that helps 'solve' climate change, the housing crisis and addresses inclusivity. The submitted designs will need to be eco-friendly, affordable and suitable for both elderly people and those with physical disabilities.

The competition will run until 07 February with judging taking place until mid-March. The winning team will have their design rendered into a three-dimensional model, so they can 'walk' through the house with friends and family in March 2021.

In addition, the winning school will receive high end measuring equipment, a laser level and a masterclass in the use of the equipment. The winning team members will have the option of taking a CIF scholarship or access to our apprenticeship programme if they do decide to take a construction-related career route in their future.

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The programme was developed by 'Class Of Your Own' led by CEO Alison Watson MBE in collaboration with TUI, the Techno Teachers Association Ireland, the Engineering Technology Teachers Association, SOLAS and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. This programme is designed compliment current teaching and career guidance principles.

Recent CIF Research conducted nationally by iReach shows over 63% of parents would be happy for their children to pursue a career in construction. The majority of parents, (86%) believe people working in construction is critical to build the future. Over 42% feel the industry provides stable and realistic job opportunities.

Interestingly, over half of parents (54%) also believed the construction sector provides careers for women as well as men.

CIF's Director General, Tom Parlon stated: "The past few months have shown how solid a career in construction is, we have been able to operate throughout most of the difficult Covid-19 period. Increasingly, our workers are traveling internationally, using technology instead of a hammer, and are working as part of diverse, multi-disciplinary teams. Salaries and wages are increasing all the time and there's a clear career path from building site to boardroom for those who want it. Today’s competition is a celebration of the creativity and purpose that’s sometimes taken for granted in the construction industry. We’re marrying young people’s concerns about homelessness, climate change and inclusivity with construction to demonstrate that a career can make a difference and have a real purpose."