Recent data from the Construction Skills Network (CSN), Labour Market Intelligence Report for Northern Ireland, projects that construction work will increase at an average annual rate of 2.8 per cent.

Figures also revealed that the additional recruitment requirement (ARR) in NI is 1.6 per cent, slightly lower than the UK value of 1.9 per cent meaning, an extra 5,200 construction workers will be needed from 2024-2028.

The report mentions that the growth in infrastructure projects and ongoing maintenance needs, along with persistent skill shortages in the sector will drive demand for new hires over the next five years.

Recruiting and developing the workforce for the future is still a key challenge for the industry to overcome and make the most of the growth opportunities such as building the volume of homes the country needs, the infrastructure for energy and transport, and retrofitting the built environment to meet net zero targets.

Report key highlights include:

•The volume of construction work in Northern Ireland will grow by an annual average rate of 2.8%, marginally higher than the UK forecast of 2.4%

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•The Annual Recruitment Requirement in Northern Ireland of 1.6% per year means an extra 5,200 workers will be needed from 2024 – 2028

•Infrastructure and Repair & maintenance sectors are expected to have the fastest rates of growth

•The strongest recruitment requirement levels will be for Labourers, carpenters & joiners and non-construction professional, technical, IT and other office based staff

•Construction output is expected to grow in Northern Ireland by around 1.5% which is a stronger outlook than the UK view of 0.2% growth

•The Northern Ireland construction workforce is forecast to grow to 66,840 by 2028

In tackling the challenges, CITB NI prioritises increasing awareness of construction careers, refining training skills and systems to match present and future demands and aiding the industry in training and advancing its workforce to fulfil skill requirements.

They'll achieve this by hosting construction bootcamps for schools and students, expanding the Adopt A School Programme, and working with the Green Skills Delivery Group to improve training in construction and energy. They'll also keep partnering with the Built Environment Sectoral Partnership to ensure quality training is available and address any gaps.

CITB NI Chief Executive Barry Neilson OBE, said:

"The figures from the recent CSN report indicates that the outlook for Northern Ireland is positive reflecting growth and employment which reiterates how crucial construction is for the local economy. The drive for greater energy efficiency and a net-zero carbon society is however a significant challenge. It is essential to have a well-trained and competent construction workforce ready for future opportunities. As demands on infrastructure and energy efficiency rise, we must upskill existing workers and prepare new entrants for future challenges, both known and unknown.

"In recent years, the industry has faced challenges, but has shown resilience. Looking ahead, we're optimistic that CITB NI will continue to play a key role in supporting the industry through recruitment, training, and development, vital for the local economy."