Call for construction training academy

Calls for a dedicated apprenticeship training facility for the construction sector were made at the July meeting of Cavan County Council.

Cllr TP O’Reilly tabled a motion provoking a discussion on the measures needed to address a skills shortage and age imbalance in the sector.

Cllr O’Reilly pointed out that the average age in the construction sector is over 50 years of age and said that, unless a cohesive education programme is set up now, the situation will only get worse. “We need to set up a training academy to encourage young people to go into this field,” he told members.

Earlier this year hundreds of construction workers moved to England and continental Europe fuelling concerns about a skills shortage. Irish builders were leaving the country to find work because of uncertainty over the reopening of construction.

A Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment report from September 2020 entitled, ‘Building Future Skills: The Demand for Skills in Ireland’s Built Environment Sector to 2030’ also referenced the problem. As the level of construction activity in Ireland has grown rapidly over recent years, the industry has struggled to fill crucial roles.

There is a renewed focus on education and training to supply the construction sector, but experts in the field say that this is just making up for the post-recession period when education providers shifted attention and resources towards other sectors.

Cllr O’Reilly’s motion was supported by Cathaoirleach Clifford Kelly who said there has to be action to address the age imbalance of the sector.

The council agreed to send a letter to Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) to ascertain if a dedicated course could be established to address the issue.