CITB Wales’ Partnership Manager Celia Williams will call for more investment in construction apprenticeships when she speaks at the Business Growth North Wales conference at Pontio, Bangor today.

Ms Williams will say that investment in apprenticeships by employers is crucial to meet the growing demand for construction skills in North Wales.

Figures from the Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast strong growth in the nation’s construction output – 7.1% over the period 2016-2020, leading to the creation of approximately 5,400 new jobs each year.

“The construction projects in North Wales offer a fantastic opportunity for young people, career changers, and also construction workers who have left the industry to return,” says Celia.

“A look at some of the construction projects planned for Anglesey alone – the £800m Orthius Park Biomass Plant; the £120m Land and Lakes residential development; and Wylfa Newydd – demonstrate the many opportunities available.

“The £151m Wrexham Prison project has demonstrated how a large construction project can benefit the wider community, with seven out of 10 workers coming from North Wales.

“The range of projects in the pipeline means companies are looking to recruit  new workers and upskill their existing staff. If you’re looking for long-term career opportunities in North Wales, construction is a good bet.”