The latest attempt to ease the construction industry’s skills shortages saw the launch of a £22 million boost for on-site construction training. First unveiled during Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Spring Statement in March, The Construction Skills Fund will help fund 20 ‘skills villages’ where training hubs are set-up alongside live construction sites. The 18-month scheme is funded by the Department for Education and will be administered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
“On-site training will be hugely beneficial for employers and trainees, as it will help bridge the gap between training and working in the industry, meaning trainees are site-ready sooner,” said Skills Minister Anne Milton.
Employers, housing associations and other interested bodies, such as LEPs and local authorities are encouraged by the CITB to submit expressions of interest. These can be from both existing and prospective on-site learning hubs.
“Having training on or near to major projects will reveal what an exciting sector this can be, while also putting new talent in the shop window,” said Steve Radkey, Policy Director at CITB. “We want all interested organisations to submit Expressions of Interest that are innovative, collaborative and with training at their heart. We will support applicants through the process and provide expert guidance to apply to the fund.”
Training organisations wishing to benefit from the fund can sign up and apply here: https://www.citb.co.uk/funding/types-of-funding/structured-fund/construction-skills-fund/. The successful bids will be awarded in the autumn.
CITB is the Industry Training Board and a partner in the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry in England, Scotland and Wales. Its job is to work with the industry to encourage training, which helps build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce. It also provides support and funding to help companies improve skills, increase their competitiveness and respond to challenges such as the low carbon agenda, reducing costs on site and recruiting the best talent for their sector.
