CITB Wales has called on the Welsh Government to focus on promoting careers in construction when the new assembly term gets underway this week.
The group believes that with major projects planned, along with recent rises in Welsh construction vacancies, CITB believes that the government must take a two pronged approach to the skills challenge ahead and keep the economy moving.
Firstly, CITB Wales says it is crucial that schools and Careers Wales are given sufficient resources to promote careers in construction to young people.
Second, CITB believes that the Government’s new National Infrastructure Commission for Wales must have the scope to plan and finance major projects, while upskilling the workforce.
CITB Wales’ call comes as:
Figures from the Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast strong growth in the nation’s construction output – 5.8% over the period 2016-2020, leading to the creation of approximately 5,700 new jobs each year;
A range of major job-creating construction projects – including the South Wales Metro, Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station and the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon – are planned or in the pipeline;
The Welsh Government is considering its budget for services such as Careers Wales.
Mark Bodger, CITB Wales Cymru Strategic Partnerships Director, said that the next 10 years will present significant construction opportunities and challenges for Wales.
Bodger continued: “With a number of big projects in the pipeline it is crucial that construction is recognised as an attractive career choice for young people. However, we also need the Welsh Government to do everything it can to get those game-changing infrastructure projects off the ground.”
To meet the skills challenge, CITB says that the National Assembly for Wales’ Children Young People and Education Committee should improve the resources available to Careers Wales and schools in order to promote careers in construction.
“Across Wales there are major projects either underway or in the pipeline, which can inspire confidence in the sector and capture the imagination of anyone interested in a construction career,” says Mr Bodger.
