Resources

A welcome from CEF Chief Executive,

Mark Spence

It is a pleasure to welcome members, partners and stakeholders from across the local construction industry and beyond to what promises to be an important and forward-looking event.

Our industry sits at the heart of economic delivery. Whether it is schools, hospitals, wastewater infrastructure, housing, renewable energy, or transport connectivity - construction underpins every aspect of Northern Ireland’s growth and competitiveness. Yet we continue to operate in an environment marked by uncertainty: capital budget volatility, planning delays, infrastructure constraints, rising costs, labour shortages and increasing compliance pressures… Download the brochure to read more

Construction Futures

Construction Futures NI Builds a Stronger Future for Northern Ireland

Fionnuala McKenna (Linkedin)

Head of Strategic Engagement, Construction Futures NIAs we approach the halfway point of 2026, Construction Futures NI has much to celebrate – and even more to look forward to.

This year’s Open Doors week (23–27 March) was our most successful yet. Seventeen companies hosted 47 events across 28 locations, welcoming 840 visitors – a 68% increase on 2025. Feedback was outstanding, with 97% of young people now saying they would consider a career in construction.

We also launched the pilot STEMstruct programme in partnership with Sentinus, engaging nearly 500 primary pupils across 20 schools. Through hands-on activities, the children designed and built a sustainable “Town of the Future”, planting the seeds of interest in green construction, innovation and teamwork from the earliest age.

Construction Futures continues to connect young professionals, apprentices and students with the opportunities within our sector. Over the past year:

events delivered
school engagements
social media reach
apprentices engaged

These achievements show what real collaboration can deliver. Launched following the EY Industry Skills Review, Construction Futures NI is the sector’s unique employer-union partnership (CEF, Unite and GMB).

Our mission is simple: inform, attract, develop and retain the talent our industry needs. We face real challenges – skills shortages, pipeline uncertainty, competition for talent and persistent gender imbalance.

Yet by breaking down silos, simplifying complex training pathways and improving coordination between employers, educators and government, we are making genuine progress. Our immediate priorities include the new NI Built Environment Careers Prospectus and the forthcoming Gateway website – a single online hub that will make careers information, qualifications and training far easier to navigate while collecting vital data to shape future strategy.

Looking ahead, we will continue to champion modern construction careers – from net-zero skills and digital innovation to high-quality apprenticeships and truly inclusive opportunities for everyone.

By listening to stakeholders and working in true partnership, Construction Futures NI is helping to create a more coordinated, skilled and confident construction sector for Northern Ireland.

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