Mr Tom Parlon said the industry is expected to grow by 33% up to 2020 and is calling on students and school leavers to consider a career in construction.
Mr Parlon said: "Over the next three years, we will need 112,000 additional workers to meet the increasing demands in house-building, specialist building and infrastructure. The overall outlook for the construction industry is very positive. However, firms from all sectors are reporting shortages of both experienced staff and apprentices this year. As a result, demand for employees in trades and across construction is growing as we face an estimated €19 billion of activity in the 2017 pipeline.
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"We need young people, who are interested in the many career options in construction, to know that the industry is viable and innovative, as they will have a vital role to play in constructing Ireland into the future. A career in construction is also now a truly global choice. It opens up an entire world of opportunity for young people and equips them with easily transferable skills and knowledge, which can bring them to wherever they wish to go. A significant cohort of Irish companies is shaping the future of countries like Dubai, Canada, the UK and Australia by delivering major infrastructure projects that are transforming economies and the lives of people living in these countries."
The CIF recently established apprentices.ie to connect young people, who are looking for apprenticeships, with Ireland’s leading construction companies.
Mr Parlon continued: "An estimated 2000 new apprentices started in 2016 and the construction industry is committed to increasing this number to an annual sign up rate of 4,000. The construction industry needs young people to drive it forward and it can provide huge opportunities, whatever path they take. The apprenticeship route, for example, is a viable option for many who might never apply to third-level. Similarly, the CIF would like to see the number of CAO applicants for construction related courses increasing this year once again, building on last year's sizable boost."
