Construction workers urged to return to education after industry downturn

PEOPLE whose jobs in the construction industry might be at risk should consider applying for a college place or upgrading their skills, guidance counsellors have advised.

The Higher Education Authority warned this week that some of the 80,000-plus workers in the sector who do not have any qualification higher than the Junior Certificate might have difficulty getting employment elsewhere if they are affected by the downturn in the industry.

Although the Construction Industry Federation has rejected suggestions that mass unemployment is a prospect, the concerns about skills were echoed yesterday by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.