“Construction is key to building a sustainable Wales” – Jeremy Miles

Wales will need an extra 11,000 construction workers to support its growing economy, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and the Welsh Language has said at a construction summit in Llandudno Junction.

Speaking to delegates from the North Wales construction sector, Jeremy Miles highlighted the importance of the private and public sectors working together to meet this demand. He outlined his vision to deliver rapid growth and improvement, including:

• working with the new Higher Education and Research Commission to ensure the education system meets the needs of employers by offering courses that fill specific construction skills gaps;

• creating more jobs and investment-ready land through direct intervention, subsidies and partnerships to stimulate significant economic growth;

• decarbonising social housing, ensuring homes are sustainable, high quality and affordable to heat with the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023, which builds on the £2 billion invested in the original Welsh Housing Quality Standard program;

• ensuring both the public and private sectors use the tools available to address the challenges of recruitment, retention, training and supply chain agility. The aim is to deliver on our shared Net Zero Carbon ambitions, drive innovation in low-carbon materials and adopt modern construction methods.

Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates, also spoke at the event and highlighted that the construction sector in North Wales offers many opportunities.

Jeremy Miles said: “The construction industry has a huge impact on our economy and society. It creates jobs, drives growth and offers solutions to social, climate and energy challenges. We are already doing many things well in Wales and many countries are looking at our efforts to move towards a successful, sustainable future where decent work is at the heart of it.

“That is not to say we do not recognise the challenges facing construction employers, building the future talent pipeline, identifying key projects and the need to support innovation are all issues that require further support. My message to the sector in North Wales is clear: whether it is building key infrastructure for a greener, more sustainable future, or maximising the opportunities offered by Free Ports and Investment Zones, the construction industry is key to shaping the Wales of tomorrow.”

Ken Skates said: “I’m delighted that this event is taking place in North Wales and focusing on the construction sector in the region.

“Part of my role as North Wales Cabinet Secretary is to defend the interests of our communities, businesses and institutions. The idea is that our policies reflect the circumstances, challenges and opportunities in the North.

“By working together we can achieve so much more and with exciting developments across the region, it is an exciting time for the sector.”