News Release Page Title

13 November 2006

'GET INTO CONSTRUCTION' LAUNCHED

A new initiative has been launched to promote career opportunities for young people in the construction industry.

'Get into Construction' is designed to provide young people, especially those who have struggled at school, are in or are leaving care, are long term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law, with an opportunity to enter the construction industry. The initiative is sponsored by local major construction employers and supported by the Prince's Trust.

Welcoming the contribution that 'Get into Construction' will make towards helping young people build better lives, Minister for Employment and Learning, Maria Eagle said:

"Projects like 'Get into Construction' will provide young people with access to pre-apprenticeships and skills development courses which will increase their prospects of employment in the construction industry.

This will in turn assist employers in recruiting and retaining young people who would not normally consider a career in the industry and contribute to building a sustainable local workforce."

The Minister welcomed the active support of local construction companies to this initiative and added:

"By giving young people valuable experience of professional and technical training as well as their academic studies they will be better able to make informed choices about their future and I think many will consider the construction industry to be a worthwhile career path."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The 'Get into Construction' initiative is aimed at young people between 16 and 25 years who have struggled at school, are in or are leaving care, are long term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. It offers the opportunity to enter a rewarding career in the construction industry by introducing them to the sector work, developing vocational skills and opening up employment opportunities.

  2. The initiative is supported by some of Northern Ireland's leading construction companies (via the Construction and Business Services Leadership Group), the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) and the Construction Employers Federation.

  3. The SIB developed the first Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, launched by the Secretary of State in December 2005. The Strategy outlines the potential for up to £16billion to be spent on renewing Northern Ireland's infrastructure over the period 2005 - 2015.

  4. The results of a study jointly commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and the SIB on the capacity of the Northern Ireland construction industry to deliver the Investment Strategy over the next 10 years, show that there will be significant employment opportunities in the construction industry.

  5. Media queries to the Department for and Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.

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