Construction sector targets future workforce as new training programmes launched
Initiatives aim to engage students and modernise safety training amid projected need for up to 110,000 additional workers
24 April 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
New construction training and education programmes have been launched with a focus on addressing Ireland’s growing skills gap, as the sector faces a requirement for up to 110,000 additional workers by 2030.
The initiatives, announced by Minister of State Marian Harkin, centre on expanding the talent pipeline, modernising safety training and improving worker wellbeing across the industry. The launch event took place in Athlone and brought together Government, industry and education stakeholders.
The construction sector currently employs approximately 192,000 people. However, workforce demand linked to national housing delivery and infrastructure investment is expected to require a significant increase in labour capacity over the remainder of the decade.
Three programmes form the core of the initiative. These include a new Safe Pass for Schools programme targeting second-level students, a revised national Safe Pass training system, and a dedicated mental health awareness programme for construction tutors.
The Safe Pass for Schools initiative is designed to introduce Transition Year students to construction careers at an earlier stage. Delivered through a partnership between SOLAS, the Construction Industry Federation and the Department of Further and Higher Education, the programme will include a tailored module highlighting apprenticeship routes, professional roles and modern construction methods, alongside a focus on site safety.
The revised Safe Pass programme, which is expected to roll out in 2026, will update Ireland’s mandatory safety awareness training to reflect current construction practices and emerging risks. The programme currently reaches approximately 120,000 participants annually and will incorporate updated training methodologies aimed at improving engagement and knowledge retention.
A separate mental health awareness programme will be introduced for Safe Pass, CSCS and QSCS tutors. This initiative is intended to equip trainers with the ability to identify and respond to mental health challenges among learners and workers, with an emphasis on early intervention and signposting supports.
The programmes form part of a wider effort led by SOLAS to expand construction training infrastructure and develop new skills pathways aligned with Government targets under Housing for All and climate action policy. They also support the Careers in Construction Action Plan, which aims to increase participation across the sector.
The measures reflect ongoing industry concerns around labour supply constraints, particularly as housing commencements and infrastructure investment continue to scale. The focus on early engagement through the education system, alongside updates to training standards and worker supports, is intended to address both immediate and longer-term workforce needs.
