NI Water project teams open doors at Clogher and Dungannon for Construction Futures events
26 March 2025 10:23
NI Water was pleased to support its framework contractors Deane Public Works and GEDA last week as they welcomed over 60 school children to wastewater treatment works sites at Clogher and Dungannon.
The events – delivered as part of the Build UK ‘Open Doors’ initiative and co-ordinated by Construction Futures in Northern Ireland – gave NI Water contractors the opportunity to safely showcase live building sites to the primary and secondary school visitors and demonstrate the broad range of careers available within Northern Ireland’s construction industry.
Speaking about the events, Kieran Grant, Head of Wastewater Infrastructure at NI Water said:
“NI Water was delighted to support our valued contractors in promoting their work to what could be some of our next generation construction workers.
“Not only did the visitors get an insight into the day-to-day operation of the NI Water construction sites, but the events also gave NI Water, Deanes and GEDA the opportunity to convey the benefits of its respective Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes and presented the secondary school students with first-hand experiences from those currently following that career path.
“The series of visits also provided a welcome platform for NI Water to highlight the significant work taking place at both Clogher and Dungannon to support the lives of future generations and the important role our young people play in helping us to conserve water and keep our wastewater network flowing freely.”
The annual ‘Open Doors’ Build UK initiative, which has been taking place in England, Scotland and Wales for a number of years, has been brought to NI through Construction Futures (part of the Construction Employers Federation, GMB and Unite the Union) for the first time this month.
The initiative was well received with over 30 events organised across a number of Northern Ireland construction sites and workplaces. NI Water, Deane Public Works and GEDA were delighted with the uptake for their Open Doors events and hope that those attending left inspired to consider a career in the construction industry or indeed with NI Water at some stage in the future.
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For further information, please email press.office@niwater.com
Carntall PS, Clogher
St McCartans, Clogher
Notes to Editor:
Construction Futures was established in 2024, following the 2023 EY Industry Skills Review. Launched in Northern Ireland, with the support of employers through the CEF and unions like GMB and Unite, its mission is to showcase the opportunities in construction and strengthen ties with the education sector to develop essential skills and talent. By promoting diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and a focus on skills and data, Construction Futures aims to drive cultural change and innovation within Northern Ireland's construction industry.
According to Open Doors, across the UK, construction needs to recruit over 50,000 new entrants every year just to maintain current output, with staff shortages affecting multiple areas of the industry. Open Doors plays a vital role in contributing to the recruitment of the next generation.