Northern Ireland’s construction industry is once again opening its doors to the next generation of talent, as the Open Doors initiative returns from Monday 23rd to Saturday 28th March 2026. Delivered by Build UK in partnership with Construction Futures, the initiative will see construction companies across Northern Ireland host pre-booked tours of live sites, offices, manufacturing facilities, builders’ merchants and training centres. The aim is to inspire students, career changers and jobseekers to explore the diverse and rewarding careers available across the sector.

This year the Department for the Economy joins the initiative as a key partner for the region. Through its Careers Service, the Department provides impartial, all-age careers advice and guidance to individuals in education, employment, training and those who are unemployed, with a particular focus on supporting people who may be vulnerable to social exclusion. Their involvement will help expand the reach of Open Doors across Northern Ireland, enabling more people to access information and inspiration about the wide range of careers in construction, while also highlighting the industry’s vital contribution to skills, inclusion, and economic growth across the region.

Northern Ireland’s first Open Doors week in March 2025 welcomed more than 500 students and members of the public to over 35 events across 18 locations, with 15 companies generously opening their doors. The event also received strong support from representatives of the Department of Education and the Department for the Economy; members from the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Northern Ireland Skills Council; as well as the Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, and the Lord Mayor of Belfast.

With the latest CITB Construction Workforce Outlook estimating that the UK industry needs to recruit around 50,000 additional workers each year – including over 5,000 in Northern Ireland by 2029 – Open Doors offers an invaluable opportunity to showcase the variety of roles, technologies and career pathways available in construction.

“A fantastic 88% of visitors to Open Doors 2025 said that they’d be more likely to consider a career in construction after their visit.” said Tamsin Parkes, Open Doors Project Manager at Build UK.

“This shows that giving people the chance to see first-hand the wide range of roles available and meet the talented teams building the world around us has the potential to inspire long-lasting career choices in our industry. I would encourage companies across the industry to open their doors next March and show there is a role for everyone in construction, whatever their background, interests or skills.”

Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development at Construction Futures, added:

“Open Doors really is a fantastic way to see what it’s like to work in construction… young people rarely get direct access to sites, so this is a unique chance to experience real working environments and understand how many different opportunities exist.

“There’s a career for everyone in construction – male or female, hands-on or office-based – and planting that seed early can help shape someone’s future.”

Mark Spence, Chief Executive of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), said:

“One of the biggest challenges facing our industry is attracting and retaining skilled people. Through Construction Futures, we’re working together to make construction a first-choice career. Open Doors provides the perfect platform for young people and career changers to see how vast and modern the sector really is – from trades and project management to digital, design and data roles.”

Throughout the week, companies across Northern Ireland will host strictly pre-booked visits for schools, colleges, universities, and those considering a career change. Visitors will gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how projects are planned, built and managed, while meeting professionals working across disciplines including engineering, sustainability, architecture, and technology.

Construction businesses of all sizes are encouraged to take part in Open Doors 2026 and can register now by visiting opendoors.construction. Information and support is available for those looking to host events for the first time.

For details of participating sites and to book visits (from 12th January 2026), schools and colleges can also check www.constructionfuturesni.com/open-doors-live-bookings.

Watch the Open Doors 2025 video here.

About Open Doors
Open Doors is a UK-wide initiative led by Build UK, taking visitors behind the scenes of construction sites and workplaces to showcase the breadth of career opportunities available. Events for Open Doors 2026 will take place between 23rd – 28th March 2026 and include everything from housing developments to infrastructure projects, as well as offices, manufacturing facilities, and training centres.

About Build UK
Build UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry. Bringing together clients, contractors, trade associations, and professional bodies, it promotes the value of construction and drives collaboration to strengthen the sector.

About Construction Futures
Construction Futures is an industry-driven collaboration between the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and employee representatives from Unite and GMB unions in Northern Ireland. Formed in response to the 2023 EY Industry Skills Review, it works to address the skills shortage by aligning education with industry needs and promoting sustainable, long-term careers in construction.

About the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service
The Department for the Economy’s Careers Service provides impartial careers advice and guidance to individuals in education, employment, training, and to the unemployed, with a priority focus on people who are facing or vulnerable to social exclusion. It offers personalised careers services on an all-age basis, provided by professionally trained and qualified advisers.