Government Unveils Construction Jobs Boost Plan
The government has introduced the ‘Careers in Construction Action Plan’ to address the shortage of workers in the construction sector. The plan focuses on recruiting and retaining more workers through educational reforms, apprenticeships, and improved retention strategies.
Key actions include breaking down barriers, promoting career opportunities, and making construction jobs more appealing to women. Measures involve revamping training and education, introducing flexible working arrangements, and launching promotional campaigns.
Minister Simon Harris stated, “These changes aim to address skills gaps and tackle gender bias in the sector, given the diverse roles in construction today.”
In addition, the government is launching a mobile retrofit training unit in collaboration with the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and the National Construction Training Campus. The unit will travel to construction sites and schools nationwide, providing accessible construction training courses.
Minister Eamon Ryan emphasized the importance of increasing workers with retrofit skills to meet growing demands. The mobile unit aims to upskill construction workers and inspire students to pursue careers in the industry. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the construction workforce.
Source: By Brian O’Donovan, Work & Technology Correspondent, RTÉ News.
