A week-long celebration of the province's construction sector has commenced, which will demonstrate the positive aspects of employment in one of Northern Ireland's largest industries.

Officially launched by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) at Parliament Building, Stormont, last week, this year's National Construction Week (NCW) runs from 3-10 October and will again promote the merits of a career in the construction industry to young people.

“We want to encourage the brightest and the best young people to consider a career in construction,” explained Catherine McGeady, Senior Careers Officer of CITB. “With dozens of separate events crammed into just one week, the industry’s enthusiasm and commitment has been fantastic. We have events planned up and down the country that will help thousands of people discover the real story behind construction by demonstrating what can be achieved by some of the most innovative and forward thinking companies and highlighting the wide range of career opportunities within the industry.”

Over 20 different events will take place across Northern Ireland during the week ahead, with site visits, careers talks, women into construction events and certificate presentations, and local companies on hand to lend their support will include Farrans, H&J Martin, O’Hare & McGovern, Maxwells, Pattons and Braidwater Enterprises.

UK Project Manager of NCW 2002, Paul Bower, commented: “Northern Ireland has given Europe some of its finest engineers, architects and designers. It is heartening to see CITB working so hard to inspire and involve the next generation who will make an impact not just on their home towns but across the world.”

(CL)