Construction Skills Network forecasts 2018-2022 - Northern Ireland

Construction output growth in Northern Ireland is projected to average 0.5% a year over the 2018 to 2022 period, a slower growth rate than across the UK as a whole. Both the housing sectors are projected to see decent growth over the forecast period, the public one driven by the Northern Ireland Executive’s plans to build 1,600 new social and affordable housing units.

• Growth is expected to focus on the infrastructure sector at 6.1%
• Employment in Northern Ireland is forecast to fall by an annual average of 0.4%
• Northern Ireland has an average recruitment requirement of 310

Download a summary of the Northern Ireland CSN report (PDF 174 KB)

Download the full CSN report for Northern Ireland (PDF 1.5 MB)

What does this mean for construction jobs?

This means that demand for some trades will be higher than others. The jobs most in demand over the next five years, in Northern Ireland, are:

• Bricklayers - 80
• Other construction process managers - 50
• Other construction professionals - 50

What’s CITB doing to bridge the skills gap?

We’re committed to helping construction employers deliver the pipeline of work faster, better and more efficiently. Using our evidence base on skills requirements, we will ensure employers can access the high quality training their workforce needs.

We will also help construction attract and retain new recruits. Go Construct is a web portal showcasing all of the great career opportunities available in our sector.

We are also improving our funding to employers, through a reformed grants scheme that invests in the most needed skills and makes it easier for companies of all sizes to access funding.

How can you benefit?

If you’re keen on building and want a fulfilling and financially rewarding career delivering some of the iconic projects in your area, visit Go Construct.

To find out how to access grants to train your workforce, visit CITB funding.