CITB NI research indicates that whilst growth in the local construction industry is lagging behind the UK, construction employment in NI is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 1% over the next 5 years, to around 64,500 by 2019 with an average of 1,500 new employees needed each year.1 The political and economic drivers for our industry will impact on the work on the ground affecting both recruitment and skills needs.
Skills are a key driver of growth, performance and prosperity. Our aim is to develop a qualified and competent workforce within the NI construction industry and to help encourage and support training to the whole of the construction industry.
Our training grant scheme offers support to a wide range of training and qualifications from apprentices through to the existing workforce including management and administration. The scheme is structured into 3 Tiers and offers an economic incentive to train and whilst having a positive impact on the industry.
Our Mobile Training Unit (MTU) provides training on site to all registered in-scope employers. It is convenient way of meeting training requirements with minimum disruption to site work. The unit travels across Northern Ireland delivering short duration health and safety courses such as confined spaces, excavations, manual handling and working at heights encouraging the industry to build safely.
We have recently launched VET360 an innovative new tool that provides a unique and memorable immersive experience which gives the user instant access to construction sites in a workplace environment. Used as a training tool VET360 allows greater understanding and awareness of the work location. Viewers can experience real time situations and identify hazards in complete safety raising awareness and understanding of health & safety issues.
VET360 will transform the way we view training in the local construction industry. It allows the user to travel through a virtual version of their site and carry out planning and design meetings, site inductions or safety briefings. The facility allows the user to see more, save time and stay safe as VET360 is the perfect bridge between theoretical classroom training and the reality of a busy construction site. We are very excited about the opportunities VET360 will bring to the local construction industry.
In 2016 we are also launching a ‘Leader in Construction’ development programme suitable for those next in line for a senior management position, or with the potential to become senior managers, within local NI construction businesses. The programme is tailored to the construction sector and will assist the industry to meet current and future challenges.
We have also developed a series of Business Improvement Seminars on a range of topical issues including BIM, Credit Control, Waste Management and Tendering. We are currently taking bookings via our website. CITB NI will continue to focus on providing the support and services needed to ensure local businesses have the right skills in the right place at the right time.
For information on CITB NI and more log on to www.citbni.org.uk , like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CITBNorthernIreland and follow the discussion on Twitter @CITBNI and LinkedIn http://linkd.in/1GBeyLf
1 Industry Insights Report for NI 2015-19 Construction Skills Network (CSN)
Barry Neilson
Chief Executive
CITB Northern Ireland
