The construction sector, while in difficulty at the moment, continues to be a major employer in Ireland

The building of domestic houses has decreased significantly, but there is still work in certain construction areas such as the building of new schools and other major school improvement projects; the national roads programme and road safety improvements, and the LUAS interconnection project that is to go ahead. Water Services, Social Housing Provision, and Regeneration work will also continue.

IDA Ireland estimate there will be some 1,500 construction jobs over the next two years as building projects involving Eli Lily, Boston Scientific, Allergan, Microsoft, Analog Devices, Google and Apple get underway. Intel has also recently been granted permission to construct a new chip fabrication plant at its Leixlip campus in County Kildare.

There are also areas of growth in the sector, such as the green economy and wind energy, which could make a significant contribution to employment in the sector.

Careers in construction can be divided into four areas:

• Operatives or Labourers
• Craftspeople (FÁS four year apprenticeships)
• Engineers and Quantity Surveyors
• Architects

The Irish construction sector continues to face many challenges, but there is still work in the broader areas of green energy, flood prevention, and construction of roads and bridges. 

A career in construction really depends on how much physical or technical work you want and the level you decide. In order to work in any capacity on a building site you must have a Safe Pass certificate.