Engineering construction jobs could more than double in Wales by 2030

THE NUMBER of people working in engineering construction across Wales could rise by 117% by 2030—but only if proposed nuclear developments in North Wales go ahead.
That's according to new research published today (June 9) by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), which warns that delays or cancellation of key projects like the Wylfa nuclear plant on Anglesey could significantly reduce that figure.
The ECITB's Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT)—recently updated with data from its 2024 Workforce Census—shows that the sector could grow by 4,460 jobs within five years, with scaffolders, design technicians and general operatives among the roles most in demand.
However, if the Wylfa project fails to materialise, the increase would be far smaller, with only 550 new jobs forecast—a modest rise of 14%.
The ECI spans a wide range of heavy industries critical to the UK's net zero ambitions, including oil and gas, nuclear, renewables, carbon capture, hydrogen, and water treatment. The sector plays a key role in the construction, maintenance and decommissioning of industrial infrastructure.
The ECITB said the revised forecasts were made possible by a record response from employers across Wales, with workforce data collected on over 2,200 employees. The census provided fresh insights into age distribution, hiring challenges, and business opportunities in the region.
Andrew Hockey, ECITB Chief Executive, said: 'A key pillar of our Leading Industry Learning strategy is delivering accurate labour market intelligence to support data-driven planning.
'This year's strong response to the Census allowed us to improve our Labour Forecasting Tool, which is helping us identify the scale of the workforce challenge in Wales.
'We're already seeing hiring difficulties—80% of employers reported challenges recruiting staff—and an ageing workforce, with the proportion of workers over 60 rising from 11% to 14.6% in just three years.
'Meanwhile, the share of workers under 30 dropped from 18% to just 12.1%. That's a troubling trend.'
Mr Hockey called for a collaborative approach involving government, employers, training providers and industry bodies to plug the skills gap and grow the future workforce.
'By investing in people and working together to bring new talent into the sector while upskilling existing staff, the industry can rise to the challenge and help Wales meet its net zero goals.'
The Labour Forecasting Tool and full census findings can be viewed online at:
www.ecitb.org.uk/research/labour-forecasting-tool/

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