Tackling the Talent Gap in Construction

Ireland’s housing crisis continues to be a hot topic of conversation and debate, with affordable and social housing in critical short supply despite rising construction activity. The government's housing targets remain ambitious, but the skilled workforce required to deliver these homes is increasingly hard to find. The complexity of building large-scale apartments and houses is making it difficult for experts or professionals moving to Ireland to take up senior positions on 100+ unit developments. Our clients are requesting candidates with recent Irish residential experience, mainly due to the difficulties with planning, public bodies, and utility providers, who can cause significant delays if one wrong step is taken.

 The demand for homes is growing, but the number of qualified professionals isn’t keeping pace. Skilled workers, particularly in roles like project management, quantity surveying, and trades, are becoming more difficult to source. This shortage is compounded by an ageing workforce and an insufficient pipeline of new talent entering the sector. The challenge now is to attract, train, and retain skilled professionals to meet the demand.

 What Needs to Change

To address the talent gap, the construction industry must invest in training and apprenticeships to build the next generation of workers. I feel there have been limited services from the government, professional bodies, and employers that get positive media attention, but they don’t seem to back it up. Salaries for apprenticeships need to increase, and the college fees for construction-related courses should be covered by the government. Furthermore, offering flexible working arrangements and fostering a positive company culture will help attract the best talent in a highly competitive market. Maybe it's time for someone to think outside the box and offer flexible hours in which employees can do the contracted hours over 4 days instead of 5 days? I know from a recruitment point of view this would help companies attract top talent.

 The Impact on Housing Development

Skilled workers are essential to delivering housing projects on time and within budget, but the shortage is stalling progress. Modern methods of construction (MMC) and sustainable building practices offer potential solutions to expedite development, but they require highly specialised skills.

 Why This Matters for Employers and Professionals

For employers, investing in long-term talent development and training programmes is essential. Professionals in construction, particularly those with expertise in sustainable building and project management, have an exciting opportunity to build rewarding careers in a sector with ample demand. Companies that offer clear career progression and competitive compensation will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent.

How We Can Help

At Strive Search, we specialise in connecting construction companies with the skilled professionals they need to tackle Ireland’s housing challenges. Whether you’re an employer looking to build your team or a professional seeking your next opportunity, we’re here to help.