Education, Training and Skills
Education, Training and Skills Department
The CIF Education, Training and Skills Department supports members in all aspects of policy related to education, training, and skills development.
We work to promote careers in construction, address emerging skills needs, and future-proof the industry through strategic engagement with Government departments, State agencies such as SOLAS and Education & Training Boards, and industry stakeholders to shape policy and create opportunities for learning and professional growth.
This includes:
Developing strategies for apprenticeships and skills planning to meet current and future industry needs
Engaging with schools, colleges, and career guidance professional to promote construction as a career choice
Collaborating with Government departments, State agencies, and education providers to shape education and training policy in the construction industry
Identifying current and emerging skills needs and supporting the development of industry‑led education and training responses
Careers in Construction
The Education, Training and Skills Department supports careers in construction, including:
Careers in Construction
STEM Passport for Inclusion
Schools Partnership Programme
The National Career Skills Competition
Women in Construction
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Construction Professional Skillnet
Construction Professional Skillnet offers subsidised training and development programmes for CIF members and the broader construction sector. Through these initiatives, we aim to enhance skills, improve standards, and strengthen the industry’s talent.
Representation on external bodies
On matters relating to Education, Training and Skills, the Department has regular and ongoing engagement on behalf of its members with several Government departments and agencies.
Other external bodies representation include:
- CSG Innovation and Digital Adoption Sub-Group
- Construction Industry Action Group
- National Apprenticeship Alliance
- DETE MMC Action Plan Oversight Group
- DFHERIS Careers in Construction Action Group
- Sub-committee
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Staff
Sean Downey, MRICS MSCSI
Director of Safety, Education & Training
Sean has over 25 years’ experience in technical control, project, contract, and development management roles in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. A Chartered and Registered Building Surveyor, he is currently Director of Safety, Education and Training in the Construction Industry Federation. His role primarily involves acting as secretariat for industry policy committees related to health and safety, as well as advancing the education, apprenticeship, training, and development needs of the sector.
Aoife Moloney
Executive, Education, Training and Skills