THE construction sector is facing a skills shortage of young professionals
entering the industry.
That was the message from the chairman of the Construction Industry NI Professionals Council (CIGNI PC) — the umbrella organisation representing 18 different professional bodies within the construction industry in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the 100th meeting of the Professionals Council, which was marked by a special event held at Parliament Buildings Stormont, CIGNI PC chairman Kevin McShane said that the sector was now facing a skills shortage of young construction professionals as a result the mass exodus of graduates during the recession to seek employment elsewhere.
He explained that as the sector most severely impacted by the economic downturn, it was now facing a local shortage of young
skilled professionals entering the industry, in particular in the fields of engineering and IT.
Mr McShane did, however, recognise that, “the council was stepping up its collaboration with education providers to help deliver the next generation of
professionals, including through apprenticeships.”
“With every £1 invested in construction generating £2.84 in
economic activity our sector is a valuable contributor to economic recovery,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Department for Employment and Learning has launched a pilot Customer Engagement Specialist Academy.
The academy will provide up to 20 individuals with the skills and experience required to take up exciting new roles with either Power NI or Firstsource Solutions Ltd in their contact centres. Michael McQuillan, director,
Business Institute, Ulster University, said: “The opportunity to develop a training programme that focuses on an improved skills framework in the contact centre industry is particularly timely.”