CITB Wales is calling on the Welsh Government to promote construction careers when the new assembly term begins this week.

With major projects planned – and recent rises in Welsh construction vacancies – CITB believes the Government must take a two-pronged approach to the skills challenge ahead and keeping the economy moving.

First, it is vital schools and Careers Wales are given sufficient resources to promote careers in construction to young people.

Second, the Government’s new National Infrastructure Commission for Wales must have the scope to plan and finance key projects as well as upskill 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.

“The next decade will present major construction challenges and opportunities for Wales,” says CITB Wales Cymru Strategic Partnerships Director Mark Bodger.

“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 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 construction careers.

Encouraging greater diversity in the construction sector should also be a priority, with the industry-backed Go Construct campaign providing young people and job seekers with support on how to enter the industry.

“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.

CITB Wales outlined how the new National Infrastructure Commission (NICW) can maximise the potential of the Welsh construction Sector. The Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee should:

• bridge the construction skills gap through apprenticeships and upskilling
• bring certainty to long-term infrastructure planning
• invest in construction projects so communities across Wales benefit in terms of reduced unemployment, poverty and homelessness
• ensure specialist construction expertise is on the Commission’s board.

“If we ensure these big projects commence, it’ll help attract more young people to join the industry and giving a major boost not just for construction, but the Welsh economy as a whole,” Mr. Bodger said.