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Encouraging more women to take up jobs in construction is a key part of the Government Action Plan aimed at boosting employment in the sector .
The shortage of skilled labour is one of the biggest challenges facing building companies .
It has led to rising wage costs which in turn is contributing to increasing tender prices .
The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland said more than 100,000 additional workers will be needed across property and construction over the coming decade to meet demand .
President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland Enda McGuane said : “ I think what we see across all aspects of the industry is that there are shortfalls everywhere and that gives people opportunities ”
“ There is everything from block layers to carpenters and the Society of Chartered Surveyors also has a range of disciplines such as quantity surveyors , building surveyors , planning and development professionals , as well as people at the other end of the process , like property and facility managers who run people ’ s homes .”
“ In addition , we need architects and engineers as well as an array of skills across all areas ,” Mr McGuane said .
Educational programmes have been launched designed to encourage school children to think about careers in construction .
The National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas , Co Offaly has developed a mobile training unit that travels to schools showcasing construction and retrofitting skills .
There are in-person tutorials as well as virtual reality demonstrations .
Among those taking part in a recent session was Eimear Evans , a 6th ear student at Tullamore College .
“ Since I was a child , I always loved making things with my hands and I am thinking of doing architecture in college ,” Ms Evans said .
“ I have noticed there are a lot of more men in construction but I would love to change that if I got the chance .”
The National Construction Training Campus also has stateof-the-art simulators to train people how to operate plant machinery .
“ The simulation hub has construction plant machines from tower cranes down to mini diggers ,” said John Kelly , Manager of the National Construction Training Campus .
Mr Kelly said : “ It is about showing people that if you don ’ t come from a construction background , you can still learn to operate these machines . We will train people up , put them through all scenarios before they move on to the real thing .”
Away from the classroom and back on the building site , construction management graduate Samantha Kelly said it is an industry that has so much to offer .
“ I love it , it is very active . You don ’ t have to sit at a desk if you don ’ t want to ,” she said .
“ Construction is a great place for women .” www . constructionviewonline . co . uk