Skills Shortages In Construction Sector

A new survey has raised concerns that while the construction sector continues to recover in Northern Ireland, the industry is suffering a skills shortage.

According to the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) a third of respondents in NI to their UK Construction Market Survey, said there was difficulties across the construction industry disciplines.

There are also concerns over fewer students enrolling in construction-related courses, according to RICS.

Jim Sammon, RICS Northern Ireland construction spokesman, said: "The positive story is that the recovery in the construction industry is continuing … The other side of the story is that with activity increasing, evidence of skills shortages is emerging.

"We are also getting indications from local third-level education establishments that enrolment levels for construction-related courses are at low levels."

(MH)