Construction sector to see jobs boom

THE region’s construction sector growth over the next five years could deliver almost 25,000 jobs, according to a new forecast.

The data from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in its annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report suggests growth of 2.5% over the period 2015 to 2019, yielding 4,790 new jobs each year.

The leisure and commercial sectors are the main drivers in the region with public housing also showing steady growth over the forecast period.

Key projects helping to drive this growth in the North West include Liverpool’s £125m Project Jennifer, the redevelopment of Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, and in Manchester, the ten-year £1bn partnership between the City Council and the Abu Dhabi United Group to build 6,000 new homes.

As well as headline projects in Liverpool and Manchester, the strength of the housing sector and the planned work on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and the Carrington Power Station will require a significant number of skilled workers each year.

However, the report warns that the sector’s recovery is threatened by a widening skills gap, and CITB is now urging tradespeople who left the industry during the downturn to return and take advantage of the increasing opportunities in the sector.

Steve Housden, CITB sector strategy manager for the North West, said, “This report is terrific news for the region and shows the construction industry is making a strong comeback.
 
“Worryingly though, construction is facing a skills gap, with projects potentially held back due to a lack of skilled workers. That’s why CITB is working with industry to attract the next generation of workers and encourage skilled tradespeople who left the industry in the recession to return.

“This positive forecast shows that now is the right time to start, or return, to a rewarding career in construction.”

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