Construction Industry Federation’s Head of Learning & Development Conor Greham outlines the federation’s unique training offerings
As we look forward through our calendar in 2025, the construction industry faces a dynamic landscape of challenges and opportunities.
At the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), we remain committed to equipping our members with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
Central to our agenda is ensuring that safety management, the cornerstone of our offerings, continues to be a bedrock priority. Safety culture remains a primary focus for companies, and we are evolving our training programs to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
Expanding and updating safety programmes
Safety is non-negotiable in construction, and demand for our flagship programmes such as the City & Guilds Site Supervisor Safety Programme, IOSH Safety for Construction Managers, and Temporary Works remains strong.
This year, we are introducing a Temporary Works update course for those who have previously completed training.
Additionally, in response to regulatory changes, we’re offering a Scaffold Code of Practice update as a regular feature. This ensures that all participants, especially those who completed our Management and Inspection of Scaffolds programme, remain aligned with the latest best practices.
These updates reflect not just industry compliance but a proactive approach to fostering a safety-first culture across all levels of construction.
Embracing artificial intelligence in construction
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and construction is no exception. Recognising this, CIF has partnered with Krysolis to introduce two new AIfocused programmes in 2025.
The first is a foundational course, AI Essentials, designed for individuals new to AI, covering basic popular tools like ChatGPT and practical applications for enhancing efficiency in day-to-day operations.
Then we will also run an AI Masterclass, aimed at senior leadership teams, this programme explores the broader implications of AI, including design optimisation, risk management, predictive maintenance, and compliance with forthcoming EU AI legislation.
AI presents opportunities for predictive maintenance, design efficiencies, and advanced planning, but it also comes with challenges.
Our programmes are designed to demystify AI and provide actionable insights, empowering our members to adopt these tools confidently.
Promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility
Sustainability continues to take centre stage, driven by initiatives like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
In collaboration with Goodbody Clearstream, we have developed a programme titled Sustainability Principles for The Construction Sector to help members navigate compliance and integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
This is particularly crucial for small to medium-sized enterprises, who may lack dedicated sustainability teams but are nonetheless key players in achieving industry-wide goals.
Our focus is on ensuring that subcontractors understand the requirements and can effectively contribute to the sustainability objectives of main contractors.
These efforts will help streamline reporting processes and reinforce a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
Regional growth and financial literacy
In response to member demand, CIF is expanding its classroom-based offerings to our southern office in Cork.
Starting in 2025, we will host a full roster of our most popular programmes in Cork, complementing the strong uptake we’ve seen in Dublin. This regional approach enables members to access high-quality, inperson training closer to home.
We’re also addressing another critical need with a new programme tailored to the financial accountancy needs of small contractors and members of the Irish Home Builders Association.
Understanding Financial Accounts provides decision-makers with a deep dive into financial statements, common misinterpretations, and key nuances, empowering them to make informed decisions.
We’re also proud of the work we do with in-house training, we offer tailored in-house training programmes specifically designed for member companies.
This service allows us to customise courses to meet your unique requirements, ensuring the training aligns perfectly with your team’s needs.
If your company has specific training needs or requirements, we encourage you to reach out to us. Whether it’s a one-off course or ongoing support, we are here to assist with all your training queries and help you develop the right solutions.
Take advantage of this on-demand service and let us provide the training your team needs to excel. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your organisation.
Looking ahead
The future is bright for the construction industry, and CIF is excited to lead the way in shaping it. From safety and sustainability to cutting edge AI and financial literacy, our programmes are designed to align with industry priorities and member needs.
Whether it’s through in-house training tailored to specific requirements or classroom-based courses, we’re here to support our members every step of the way.
As we look forward to 2025, our message is clear: CIF is committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and sustainability across the industry.
Together, we can build not just better projects, but a better future for all.
