Skillnet Ireland and Construction Industry Federation join forces to tackle skills shortages.
Skillnet Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have established a new Construction Professionals Skillnet to urgently address skills shortages in the industry. The Construction Professionals Skillnet aims to upskill construction workers and business owners in the industry across a range of operational, financial, managerial, and technological competencies.
Pictured L-R are Dave Flynn, Executive Director, Skillnet Ireland; Tom Parlon, Director General, CIF; Pat Lucey, President, CIF and Liz Carroll, Network Manager, Construction Professionals Skillnet
Director General, CIF, Tom Parlon said:
“Construction companies are operating in a high-pressure environment with contradictory forces. On one hand we are in a cyclical industry that is currently under huge pressure to deliver up to 45,000 houses per year and €115billion infrastructure in addition to 500,000 homes retrofit. On the other hand, we are under pressure to be more productive and deliver all of this activity more efficiently through modern technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). Essentially, our industry’s workers are at the forefront of solving Ireland’s housing, infrastructure and climate change challenges. It’s essential that our companies invest in upskilling and training their employees and management so we can deliver on these incredible societal challenges.”
At the launch Dave Flynn, Executive Director at Skillnet Ireland, said:
“It’s vital that businesses across all sectors and regions are given access to innovative development programmes which keep their employees up to date with the latest trends and developments in their respective industries. Keeping the workforce primed for success helps businesses attain greater productivity, growth and collaboration, which is a priority for Skillnet Ireland. We are delighted to partner with the CIF to support professionals in the construction sector through our new Construction Professionals Skillnet.”
Construction companies will benefit from being able to access quality training programmes and thought leadership through this Skillnet at a reduced cost. The Construction Professionals Skillnet will help companies meet the challenges of modern construction in Ireland. Skillnet Ireland and the CIF are encouraging everyone in the construction industry to avail of the fantastic opportunity to upskill and develop their staff. There are over 45,000 SMEs and micro-enterprise operating in the construction industry and uptake by even a fraction of those will result in an uplift in productivity and competitiveness, which will have a huge impact on housing, retrofit and infrastructure delivery. This will have multiple benefits for the individuals, communities and Irish economy overall.
Pictured L-R are Dave Flynn, Executive Director, Skillnet Ireland; Pat Lucey, President, CIF; Hubert Fitzpatrick, COO, CIF & Skillnet Ireland Board Member and Tom Parlon, Director General, CIF