Construction industry in dire need of new workers
Building skills CONSTRUCTION firms have been experiencing severe difficulties sourcing workers.
Nearly 90% of those quizzed for a survey said it was tough to find employees in the sector.
Qualified tradespeople – particularly in blocklaying, plastering, tiling, painting and decorating – are most in demand, the Construction Industry Federation reported.
There is also a severe lack of engineers, quantity surveyors, foremen, project managers, general operatives, ground workers and apprentices.
CIF safety and training chief Dermot Carey said: “We are working hard to promote the industry as a career destination.
“The HEA recently found 63% of student dropouts occur in the first year. How many of those young people would have been better served by being directed to other courses or apprenticeships?
“We are also calling for Irish people living abroad with construction expertise and qualifications to return here to work.
“We find ourselves in a position where we have no time to lose.
“We need to attract those from other countries with construction skills to deliver the huge demand in housing and infrastructure Ireland’s economy and society requires.”