Our built environment is continuing to navigate through many challenges such as higher interest rates and inflation, but one challenge that we need more support to address is our skills shortage
The results of the latest Rics Construction Monitor indicate that surveyors are continuing to report shortages in skilled workers across all sectors, with further shortages in both quantity surveyors and bricklayers rising since the end of 2023.
The built environment and wider construction industry have key roles to play in driving economic growth. So, we need to address the skills shortages to maximise this potential. This requires investment from the Executive to put in place programmes to address legacy skills challenges.
Northern Ireland faces its own set of unique challenges as other parts of the UK and Ireland are offering better pay and prospects, creating difficulties for employers in Northern Ireland in attracting and retaining talent.
The Apprenticeship Levy is counter-productive in Northern Ireland in attracting the next generation of talent with the reduced support for apprenticeships. In its current form, the levy means that some employers need to pay 0.5% of its wage bill, to go towards funding apprenticeship training programmes, and those in construction paying an additional levy. However, Northern Ireland does not directly see this funding.
Rics is continuing to encourage the Stormont Executive to put additional resources and funding into apprenticeship schemes, to deliver training which will close the close the skills gap.
By addressing and closing the skills gap, we can work towards providing more suitable, sustainable housing for local communities in Northern Ireland. We’re facing supply issues across both the private and social housing markets, both with limited stock to meet demand.
According to the latest Nisra statistics, as of the end of March this year there were more than 47,000 people on the NI Housing Executive waiting list, which over 2,000 more than at the beginning of 2023. This in turn is putting pressure on the private rental sector, with more people relying on private lettings to find suitable accommodation.
The latest Rics and Ulster Bank residential market survey indicated that home-buyer demand rose at the fastest rate in three years, which is encouraging for the market. But with demand rising and supply regularly falling below required levels, we are storing up trouble for the future.
Developers face planning delays, rising cost of raw materials and challenges with the ongoing waste water infrastructure deficit. Rics is urging the Stormont Executive to support the sector, including resourcing social housing providers, in overcoming these issues, so that we can build infrastructure to serve our people and economy.
- Martin Doherty is chair of the NI regional board at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), which promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure
