Critical lack of expertise is holding back construction, ministers warned

National Skills Roundtable will provide 'direct insight from employers'

Further and higher education minister James Lawless: 'We now have 87 apprenticeship programmes available across the country, opening up more opportunities than ever before.' File picture: PA

Builders and State agencies are being held back from development by a “critical lack” of expertise in key areas, ministers have been warned.

More than 94% of construction companies, representative bodies, and State agencies attending a construction roundtable today have expressed concerns that workforce shortages in specific skill areas are impacting performance.