DEMOGRAPHIC OF SECTOR IS CHANGING – AG

The market-leading paving and walling products manufacturer, AG has revealed it has experienced a significant shift in the makeup of its employee demographics.

Established over 60 years ago, AG, says the demographics of the sector has changed more in the past few years than at any point in its history, helping to dispel the perception of a sector that is dominated by older males.

One of the main changes recognised by AG’s HR team is the age demographic of its employees. Nearly 16% of its workforce is aged 30 or under in comparison to 12.61% in 2019. The company has found its recent recruitment drives have attracted younger applicants seeing recent evening shift positions for their Toome and Fivemiletown locations, filled by employees 30 years of age or under.

As a company focused on its people, AG offers its employees ongoing training and development opportunities. The KTP Programme AG has in partnership with Queens University Belfast (QUB) is a big part of this. It enables students to carry out research and development in a working environment whilst gaining valuable on the job knowledge.

In relation to the changing recruitment trends, Stephen Acheson, CEO at AG said, “We are delighted to see a keen interest in younger applicants within the building industry. Our ongoing training and development programmes were put in place to provide opportunities.
“AG is continuing to grow and our innovative approach is helping us towards future-proofing careers within our industry. Job roles with construction-related manufacturing are evolving and we want to help those interested and curious to take those future steps with AG.”

Alongside the age demographic changes over the past two years, AG has seen a positive change in company gender balance with a growing number of females signing up for a career in construction In 2020, after studying Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Catherine Campbell (26) began her journey with AG through the KTP Programme at Queens University Belfast (QUB).

Catherine shares her work week between lectures at QUB once a week alongside LAB work and carrying out research towards her KTP Programme at AG Fivemiletown location. Speaking about the KTP Programme, Catherine Campbell, Associate Engineer said, “I think it’s a great opportunity to have the chance to work and study with AG. You get to meet people from each team and build relationships with everyone, including the highest management level.

“When I started in my role at AG, after university, I was afraid that my lack of experience would be a problem. However, every single person that I’ve met has reassured me that if I ever have a problem, need advice or guidance that they are happy to help. I feel that’s the best thing a company can offer you. AG certainly has a really personal approach to supporting its team members.”
AG offers its employees training and development opportunities as well as employee benefits such as Life Assurance, plus a range of other perks including access to a wellbeing scheme, paid lunch breaks and employee discounts.

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE