Growth in the housebuilding and industrial sectors is set to boost the construction industry in the North East, according to new five-year data from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
The annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report shows that although the region’s annual average construction output will drop slightly (-0.8%) between 2018 and 2022, these sectors are already demonstrating significant growth.
A total of 4,200 new construction workers will be needed in the North East over the next five years. Roles in particular demand will include 300 senior executives and managers, 850 non-construction professional, technical and IT staff, 800 construction trades supervisors and 450 specialist building operatives.
With a forecast average annual growth rate of 3.3% in industrial construction output over the five year period – more than double the UK average – the region’s economy will be buoyed by nearly £162 million worth of industrial projects in 2018-2019. These include the new International Advanced Manufacturing Park near Sunderland and South Tyneside (£92m), and the Teesside Mineral Refinery (£70m).
The region’s biggest sector – private housing – is anticipated to reach a new high of £1.33bn by 2022 (base on 2015 prices). Output will grow by an average of 1% per year between 2018 and 2022. A number of smaller projects include a new 116 home development in Seaham, County Durham with a mixture of two, three and four bedroom homes. Plans have also been submitted for a 17-storey residential tower in Gateshead. Construction is expected to begin early this year, with completion in August 2019.
Jeremy Wright, partnerships manager at CITB, said: “This solid pipeline of work should give employers in the north east of England confidence to plan their skills needs and to modernise.
“The area has significant and exciting opportunity for local careers in construction, with sustained growth in industrial and private housing leading to an increased demand for various skills, including construction trades supervisors as well as non-construction office-based staff.”
“This represents a great opportunity for those considering a career in construction – or who might be interested in a change of career.”