THE latest ONS figures show that construction output has continued to rise throughout 2013, which is certainly welcome news.

However, the recovery remains fragile as the sector is still 16.1 per cent below its peak in the first quarter of 2008.

Thankfully, according to our Construction Skills Network (CSN) data, the industry is predicted to pick up with output expected to rise at an average rate of 2.7 per cent per year, between now and 2017 – substantially above the UK average of 0.8 per cent.

However, this is almost entirely due to work starting on the new nuclear reactor at Wylfa in Anglesey from 2016 – without this vital project, Wales’ average annual output growth rate will fall to just 0.6 per cent over the five-year period.

There are also more than 9,000 construction workers currently unemployed in Wales, with this figure expected to decline further by 3,560 between 2013 and 2017.

These statistics show there is still a long way to go to ensure the recovery of our industry, with investment in infrastructure and ‘shovel ready’ projects being key to this.

The construction sector in Wales has been recognised by the Welsh Government as vital to the country’s economic growth. As the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the sector, we have been working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure support is available for our industry and will continue to work with industry and government for the biggest impact on economic growth.

Wyn Prichard, Wales Director of CITB-ConstructionSkills, Bridgend