The Construction Industry Federation (CIF ) has launched a website featuring career opportunities in the industry in an attempt to persuade those returning for the Christmas to remain at home for the long term.
Demand for skills is outstripping supply and Hays Recruitment’s recent salary guide reports that those with experience in the sector seeing salary increases of 10 per cent. Another report commissioned by the CIF, 'Demand for Skills in Construction to 2020', carried out by DKM economic consultants, states that construction activity can sustain an additional 112,000 jobs up to 2020, with an estimated €19 billion worth of projects in the pipeline in 2017.
DKM estimated that up to 2020 the Irish industry will require in the region of: 15,200 electricians; 7,800 bricklayers; 11,800 plumbers; 30,800 carpenters and joiners; 13,900 plasters/floor and tilers; 9,400 painters and decorators; 9,600 managers; 18,100 operatives; and 27,600 general labourers.
Director general of the CIF, Tom Parlon, stated: “The construction industry is growing strongly across all our sectors and trades. We are asking Irish people with construction experience who have left Ireland to consider returning to take up a role in construction. There is sufficient work in the pipeline to require about another 112,000 jobs up to 2020 and beyond.
"The Government will likely expand the €43billion Capital Programme in 2017, the Rebuilding Ireland Strategy envisages an annual output of 25,000 houses per year by 2020 and the demand for specialist buildings related to FDI is increasing. So, there is a basis for people to build strong careers in construction here in Ireland."
The recent Hays Recruitment Salary Guide showed that salaries are on the increase and approaching those levels of Canada, Australia, and the US for those with experience particularly in QS, architecture, building services, and increasingly the trades. The CIF is attempting to ensure there are sufficient skilled employees by engaging in several initiatives.
"We’re working with the Education and Training Boards (ETBs ) to upskill those on the live register with construction experience," Mr Parlon said. "We’re attracting young people into the industry by highlighting the modern globalised careers available. Finally, we’re trying to get the positive news about the industry and Ireland in general to those in the diaspora to attract them back. Cifjobs.ie will highlight the jobs available in our member companies and allow potential candidates to engage directly with Ireland’s leading construction companies."
