Wales will need an additional 11,000 construction workers to
support its growing economy, the Cabinet Secretary for the
Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, tells a Construction Summit
in Llandudno Junction.
Speaking to delegates from the North Wales construction sector,
emphasised the importance of
the private and public sectors working together to meet this
demand. He set out his vision to ensure rapid growth and
improvement, including:
- working with the new Commission for Tertiary Education &
Research to ensure that the education system meets employer
needs, offering courses that address specific gaps in
construction skills;
- creating more employment spaces and investment-ready sites
through direct intervention, grants, and partnerships to
stimulate significant economic growth;
- decarbonising social housing, ensuring homes are sustainable,
high-quality, and affordable to heat through the new Welsh
Housing Quality Standard 2023, which builds on the £2 billion
invested in the original Welsh Housing Quality Standard
programme;
- ensuring that both public and private sectors are using
available tools to address challenges in recruitment, retention,
training, and supply chain flexibility. The goal is to drive a
shared Net Zero Carbon ambition, innovating with low carbon
materials, and adopting modern construction methods.
Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, , also addressed the event and emphasised there are
many opportunities for the construction sector in North Wales.
said: “The construction
industry has a huge impact on our economy and society. It creates
jobs, drives economic growth, and offers solutions to social,
climate, and energy challenges. We are already doing a lot of
things right in Wales, with many countries looking at our efforts
to transition to a prosperous, sustainable future with fair work
at its heart.
“That is not to say we do not acknowledge the challenges
construction employers face, the creation of a future talent
pipeline, the identification of key projects and the need to
support innovation are issues that need further backing. My
message to the sector in North Wales is clear: whether through
building vital infrastructure for a greener, more sustainable
future or maximising opportunities presented by Free Ports and
Investment Zones, the construction industry is crucial to shaping
the Wales of tomorrow.”
said: “I'm pleased this event is taking place in North
Wales focussed on the construction sector in the region.
“Part of my role as Cabinet Secretary for North Wales is to
champion the interests of our communities, businesses and
institutions. It's about ensuring our policies reflect the
circumstances, challenges and opportunities in the North.
“We can achieve so much more by working together, and with
exciting developments across the region, this is an exciting time
for the sector.”
Notes to editors
ctb1003_csn-rep_regional_wales_aw2.pdf
(citb.co.uk)
In 2023 the construction industry is estimated to have had a
total output of £7.8bn, with 8,230 employers in the construction
sector - 14% of all employers in the nation.
The sector had the largest proportion of employment in
small/medium enterprises (SMEs) in Wales with the industry
estimated to have a total output of £7.8bn.
In December 2023, the index of construction long-term trend
showed a 26.5% increase for Wales and a 2.1% increase for the UK
compared with the previous 12 months.
In 2024 there was an increase in demand for construction jobs
(engineering etc.) with growth in the sector expected at an
annual recruitment rate of 2,200 workers. In March 2024, the
sector had approximately 100,000 workforce jobs.
The current level of recruitment within the Welsh Construction
Industry is 8,900 workers per year.
