Blog » Students encouraged to consider a career in construction

Students encouraged to consider a career in construction

3rd September 2020

Recent exam results have meant many young people are now making decisions and planning for the future. With the question arising of what next, the Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland (CITB NI) is taking the opportunity to help signpost and encourage students to consider a career in construction.

The pandemic has thrown many industries into uncertainty, but CITB NI believes it is essential and critical for the construction industry to continue to recruit, encourage and grow the talent pool especially with young people. Its message to students is that a career pathway into the construction industry has never been so accessible as candidates can consider options ranging from apprenticeship programmes to third level education.

With varied and wide-ranging opportunities, a career in construction is challenging, exciting and rewarding. From design, construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, tunnels, waterways, etc. Construction boasts a variety of careers including skilled trades, IT, marketing, project management, design and much more.

The increase of emerging digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling, Drone usage and Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality on the rise within construction means that companies will actively seek to recruit people with these skills.

A career in construction can offer the following:

  • The chance to make a real difference to the environment from city regeneration to ensuring essential facilities are available.
  • Access to a huge range of training and respected professional qualifications at all levels.
  • Opportunities to progress and/or travel and work throughout the UK, Ireland and/or further afield.
  • The chance to work in an environment that is constantly changing – you may spend some time working in the office and some time working outdoors.
  • Job satisfaction knowing that you helped build something that will last a lifetime or longer.
  • The potential to become self-employed in your chosen occupation.

Helping to encourage students to consider a career in construction Barry Neilson, Chief Executive of CITB NI, said: “Deciding what to do and where to go next following exam results can be daunting but with so much advice, guidance and support available, the decision making process can help to be eased. CITB NI is here to help students consider a career in construction as well as show the variety of careers available within the industry.

“By choosing a career in construction you will open doors to joining specialist people all working together to build a strong, long lasting future. You will be choosing to join one of Northern Ireland’s largest industries which welcomes everyone from newcomers to people with some experience to career changers. Whatever your talent you can be sure that there is a career in construction for you. CITB NI has a wealth of information to help guide you through what is available.”

Keep up to date with the latest news and views on the NI job market and more by following the nijobfinder blog.

Follow nijobfinder on FacebookTwitter  and LinkedIn to see the latest jobs and to ensure your dream job won’t pass you by.

Back to Top