The Irish Times Construction Supplement is a series of in‑depth special reports that examine the forces shaping Ireland’s built environment. Published within the newspaper’s Special Reports section, the supplement explores themes from skills shortages and housing delivery to digital transformation, planning reform and sustainability.
Each edition brings expert analysis, project case studies and industry perspectives to help public bodies, developers and contractors navigate an evolving sector. In the latest supplement, our People Director, Rob Oxley, discusses retention and progression and how Sisk is taking a leading role in addressing the long-term skills shortage in construction.
As demand for housing, infrastructure and other construction grows, we are investing heavily in developing the next generation of talent, including our largest ever intake of apprenticeships, trainee routes and graduate programmes. Our training academy is central to building future foremen, site managers and site agents, while partnerships with higher‑education institutions, including TU Dublin, strengthen the pipeline further.
We are also working to change perceptions of construction among young people. The launch of SiskTok on TikTok in 2025 reflects a deliberate move to meet future talent where they already are and to showcase the modern, technology‑driven reality of the industry.
Diversity remains a priority. While women make up just 9–10% of the national construction workforce, increasing own figure to around 20%. Focus groups with women across the business are informing a new gender‑inclusive strategy designed to support and grow female participation in both site‑based and professional roles.
International recruitment continues to play a role, with planners and quantity surveyors from countries such as South Africa being hired. A carefully managed onboarding process ensures new colleagues experience a smooth transition into both the company and life in Ireland.
Technology is reshaping the industry, and we are building blended teams that combine deep experience with new digital capabilities. Many engineers and quantity surveyors already have the analytical foundations needed for areas such as data analytics, robotics and digital modelling, these skills are being enhanced through targeted training and partnerships, including with Microsoft.
Through investment, innovation and a commitment to people, Sisk is helping to build the workforce Ireland needs for the decade ahead.