For its continued ability to provide necessary infra-structural services, the construction sector relies on the effectiveness of its labour force. Hence CETA undertakes the facilitation of skills supply and demand in a key strategic manner. The Sector Skills Plan (SSP) 2005-2010 provides a strategic planning tool, firstly, by building on the previous experiences learnt in the foregoing Sector Skills Plan and addressing the systemic issues that are instrumental in the successful achievements of the objectives; secondly, it attempts to identify short term and long skills development priorities.

A point of departure in the review of SSP focused on the analysis of various sources of information, such as the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) achievements, work place skills plans, levy payment data and the economic growth. The Sector Skills Plan 2005-2010 therefore attempts to address the systemic issues identified in the previous four years, thereby championing different strategies to engage skills development from an informed position.

An in-depth analysis of employment trends, employment profiles, occupational breakdown, training needs, scarce skills and sectoral turnover trends is undertaken in order to understand the construction sector make-up. The collation of this data provides information about the current demand and supply of skills in the sector.
The drivers of industry skills needs are complex and varied, making identifying future skills and addressing gaps a complicated task. The potential loss of skills resulting from retirements is significant. Notwithstanding this, it is essential that the sector proactively anticipates and addresses future skills needs as determined by the overall drivers of change in global economy and changing modes of delivery.