Sean Downey is the Construction Industry Federation’s Director of Safety, Education and Training
As we progress into 2025, the construction sector stands at a crossroads, with both challenges and opportunities defining the path forward. My primary focus in the coming year is to continue highlighting the vast career opportunities available to new apprentices, trainees and graduates.
From the moment a student leaves school, they can choose from a wide array of courses that provide a gateway into an industry brimming with possibilities.
With the advent of new technologies and evolving methods of construction, these career options are expanding, offering young people unprecedented pathways to success.
A key priority is ensuring that training programmes remain aligned with industry needs while being accessible and affordable. This also means supporting learners who must balance training with the need to work.
We must maintain a focus on lifelong learning, creating opportunities for progression from Level 4 to Level 9 qualifications for those who aspire to advance further.
This continuous education is critical for both individual growth and the sector’s overall success.
One of the most pressing concerns in 2025 will be the development of a new, single integrated apprenticeship model.
At the CIF, we are committed to working closely with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science (DFHERIS) and the National Apprenticeship Office to ensure this transition strengthens, rather than disrupts, the current system. Craft-based apprenticeships, which are centrally managed and government funded, remain a cornerstone of our industry.
These programmes are essential for maintaining a highly skilled and competitive workforce, a critical factor for Irish engineering and construction companies operating in global markets.
Initiatives like the Safe Pass for Schools campaign also demonstrate the value of collaboration in addressing industry needs. By partnering with SOLAS, CIF is making the Safe Pass programme accessible to Transition Year students in participating schools.
This initiative not only prepares young people for employment but also introduces them to the industry’s complexity and diversity of career opportunities.
Similarly, the Building Heroes campaign, led by DFHERIS, is successfully inspiring the next generation by showcasing relatable ambassadors who share their personal journeys and insights.
Emerging technologies are reshaping the construction landscape, creating exciting new roles and transforming traditional ones. From data science and digital design to off-site manufacturing and logistics coordination, these advancements present unique opportunities to attract a new generation of talent.
Traditional management roles are also evolving to adapt to these innovations, requiring new ways of planning and delivering projects.
While technology offers immense potential, the industry must not lose sight of the need for skilled craft professionals. Traditional craft programmes in Ireland provide internationally recognised qualifications enabling young people to work on high-profile projects across sectors such as industrial, medical, pharmaceutical, housing, and civil engineering.
Furthermore, these qualifications open doors to international opportunities, allowing workers to gain valuable experience abroad and bring that expertise back to Ireland, enriching our industry further.
As the construction sector evolves, so too must its workforce. Building a more inclusive and diverse industry is a priority, and education, skills, and training play a pivotal role in breaking down perceived barriers.
Flexible work arrangements have already improved access for underrepresented groups, but this requires a shift in management styles, especially for roles that demand a strong on-site presence.
Encouragingly, the influx of non- European migrants has brought more women into safety management and leadership roles, showcasing the potential for greater female participation.
At CIF, we are examining the full spectrum of diversity to ensure that we attract and retain talent from all backgrounds, recognising the immense value it brings to the sector.
While there are numerous examples of women excelling across trades and professional roles, access and awareness remain significant hurdles.
We must do more to reach young women at the critical stages of their education and career decision-making. Many schools still lack construction related courses or fail to provide information about the diverse career options available in the sector.
By enhancing our outreach efforts and showcasing success stories, we can inspire the next generation of women to see construction as a viable and rewarding career choice.
Schools, educators, and industry leaders all have a role to play in ensuring that young women are aware of the opportunities and supported in seizing them.
The construction sector is undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on diversity.
By investing in training, skills, and education, and by fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture, we can build a workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
The opportunities are immense, and with the right strategies in place, we can ensure that the construction industry continues to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
