With so many educational options available to school leavers, we looked at different entry routes in one key sector of the economy
Though you may not think it, there are traditional academic routes into construction.
“What happens there is students are exposed to the likes of technical graphics, construction studies, woodwork etc. That’s their first exposure and for those who are inclined to go down that route, the apprenticeship is an excellent pathway,” he said. The apprenticeship is a two-year apprenticeship at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Mr Greham said the past year has been “particularly exciting for the construction industry, especially from an educational standpoint”. There is also a quantity survey apprenticeship, which has been developed by CIF and the Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland with ATU, and is expected to have its first intake of students in September 2025.
Just like every other aspect of the world, construction has also changed with technological advances. “From architectural technologist to construction engineer, project management, sustainability and digital modelling. So you can say to people leaving school, you may not want to be an electrician or a crane driver, but you can work in the construction industry because you’re a specialist in IT and digital modelling is your skillset.”
It is geared towards people from disadvantaged areas and there is a qualifying criteria to be met, such as being from an area of disadvantage, attending a Deis school and having a household income of below €45,790, among others.