Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Miles announced the need for 11,000 more construction workers in Wales to support its growing economy, stressing collaboration between sectors and a focus on sustainability.
Wales will need an additional 11,000 construction workers to support its growing economy, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, announced at a Construction Summit in Llandudno Junction. The summit took place on June 1 and gathered delegates from the North Wales construction sector.
Miles stressed the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors to meet this workforce demand. His vision includes working with the new Commission for Tertiary Education & Research to align education with employer needs by addressing construction skills gaps, creating more employment spaces and investment-ready sites through direct interventions, and decarbonising social housing to ensure homes are sustainable and high-quality.
To address recruitment, retention, training, and supply chain challenges, Miles urged the use of available tools to drive a shared Net Zero Carbon ambition, focusing on low carbon materials and modern construction methods.
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, also spoke at the event, highlighting opportunities in the North Wales construction sector and the importance of regional collaboration.
The event underscored the significant role of the construction industry in economic growth, job creation, and addressing social, climate, and energy challenges in Wales.
