Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA visited the Dundonald International Ice Bowl regeneration site to officially launch Open Doors 2026 in Northern Ireland.

The UK-wide initiative, delivered locally by Build UK in partnership with Construction Futures, will run from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 March 2026. During the week, construction firms across the region will provide behind-the-scenes access to live sites, offices, and manufacturing facilities for students, jobseekers, and career changers.

The Dundonald Ice Bowl redevelopment—a £55 million flagship project led by Heron Bros Ltd—served as the backdrop for the launch, showcasing the scale and innovation of the modern industry.

The Department for the Economy has joined as a key partner this year, using its Careers Service to promote construction as a "modern, inclusive, and future-focused" career choice. The move comes as the CITB Construction Workforce Outlook estimates that Northern Ireland needs to recruit approximately 5,000 additional workers by 2029 to meet the demand for new housing and infrastructure.

Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald stated: “The Open Doors initiative reflects my commitment to expanding skills training and career opportunities in the construction sector, which is vital to the economy. By showcasing the wide range of careers available, we are encouraging more people to consider construction as a rewarding and sustainable career. "Working in partnership with industry helps to ensure our skills system is inclusive, responsive to future needs and supports the growth of the economy.”

Following the success of the inaugural Northern Ireland event in 2025, which welcomed over 500 visitors, organizers are aiming to reach even more people this year. Previous feedback indicated that 88% of visitors were more likely to consider a career in the sector after attending an event.

Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development at Construction Futures, highlighted the value of the experience:

“Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity to see what it’s really like to work in construction. Young people rarely get direct access to sites, so this is a unique chance to experience real working environments and discover just how many different opportunities exist.”

Mark Spence, Chief Executive of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), added: “Open Doors provides the perfect platform for young people and career changers to see just how broad, innovative and technology-driven the modern industry is.”

How to Book

Visits are strictly by pre-booking only. Schools, colleges, and individuals can view participating sites and secure their places via the official booking portal.

• Event Dates: 23rd – 28th March 2026

• Booking Link: www.constructionfuturesni.com/open-doors-live-bookings