NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, has hosted a lunchtime discussion with the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Economy Committee on skills and housing at the Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
In a wide ranging discussion on the importance of ensuring local house builders have access to the skilled workers needed to deliver high quality new homes in Northern Ireland, NHBC Regional Director Northern Ireland, David Little said: “To meet housing need the skills required are across the entire supply chain, not just construction trades.”
“We could have more recruits into the industry if their schools, and their parents, were more aware of the career progression and rewards available. There are many role models working very successfully in housing and construction.”
The event, which was attended by stakeholders from across the housing and construction sectors, was chaired by Conor Murphy MLA, Chair of the Assembly’s Economy Committee, who commented: “The Economy Committee sees tremendous value in engaging with stakeholders around the issues that face them. This lunch, hosted by the NHBC, has afforded Members an opportunity to hear at first hand the issues which are faced by the construction sector.”
“The discussions at the lunch followed on from evidence sessions at the Committee’s meeting, when Members heard about the skills gap within the sector and concerns around the proposed apprenticeship Levy. The Committee is delighted that the NHBC event was so useful and Members are very keen to participate in similar events in the future.”
Conor Mulligan, Managing Director of Lagan Homes, outlined the needs of one of Northern Ireland’s largest house builders, saying: “With the coming housing crisis it is imperative we have the right people with the right skills both in local government and out there in industry permitting and empowering Northern Ireland to start building again.”
Offering a perspective from skills providers, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board in Northern Ireland, Barry Neilson said: “It is important that we continue to recruit and develop the skills needed not only for construction in Northern Ireland, but for the Northern Ireland construction industry. CITB NI has been focussing training interventions in the key areas of entry to the industry (Shared Apprenticeship pilot scheme), quality control (Supervisor Skills) and management (Construction Leaders programme). By supporting training to improve the skills of individuals, we aim to improve the performance of businesses.”
Northern Ireland construction industry. CITB NI has been focussing training interventions in the key areas of entry to the industry (Shared Apprenticeship pilot scheme), quality control (Supervisor Skills) and management (Construction Leaders programme). By supporting training to improve the skills of individuals, we aim to improve the performance of businesses.”
Chambré Public Affairs supported the NHBC in organising the lunchtime discussion. This press release was originally published on the NHBC website – it can be viewed by clicking here.
