With a strong focus on three core challenges for construction, CITB published its Business Plan today (18 May), announcing it will be investing over £233m across Britain to support construction throughout 2022/23. CITB’s investment plan responds to the estimated demand for an additional 50,000 workers every year and is primarily
CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon is one of 15 construction industry leaders on a new Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce. The aim of the taskforce, which will meet for the first time in May, is to look at addressing skills gaps around the construction, retrofit and maintenance of low
The construction sector is leading the way in helping the UK economy bounce back from the pandemic and the Construction Industry Training board (CITB) is now looking for industry leaders to join its board. In this voluntary role you will help shape the future of construction as the industry works
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is heralding its Construction Skills Fund (CSF) initiative a resounding success after 20,000 people became site-ready after training at its hubs; 6,000 of those from the second phase of the scheme alone. 54% of those who completed training were from groups typically under-represented in
Construction employers are being encouraged to rethink how they attract their workforce as competition for skilled workers gets more intense. The industry faces a tough challenge to meet its recruitment needs in a labour market that is running hot and with new CITB research showing that just two per cent of those
Leeds College of Building is now offering the Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship, focusing specifically on the drylining pathway. This is a Level 2 qualification and typically takes two years to complete. Working in partnership with British Gypsum to deliver the course, it includes the supply of materials, training and keeping
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a specialist trade apprenticeship, geared up to the unique needs of the structural waterproofing sector. The Structural Waterproofing (Below Ground) Apprenticeship Programme takes its first intake of participants in mid-February. Developed with and supported by the CITB, the training is
A training hub aimed at providing opportunities for the unemployed, addressing Shropshire’s housing shortage, and boosting the county’s construction industry, has been given the go-ahead after a £650,000 Government grant was secured by a strong consortium of local businesses. Known as the Marches Construction Ready Partnership the group which includes
Increasing Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) throughout the construction sector supply chain is one of the challenges facing Julie Timothy of Bouygues UK, as she has been appointed one of Wales’ first FIR ambassadors. As part of the work of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, FIR Ambassadors have been trained
The Construction Industry Training Board, or CITB have been given their last chance by the Federation of Master Builders, or FMB. Members of the FMB are divided in regards to their opinions on the future of the CITB. Some members would like to see the training board continue, while others
With a strong focus on three core challenges for construction, CITB published its Business Plan today (18 May), announcing it will be investing over £233m across Britain to support construction throughout 2022/23. CITB’s investment plan responds to the estimated demand for an additional 50,000 workers every year and is primarily focused on securing construction’s talent pipeline. This year, the organisation will run and support a whole host of initiatives aimed not only at inspiring people outside of the industry to choose construction as their career, but also upskilling and retaining existing talent. The three challenges set out by CITB are: Responding to the skills demands Developing the capacity and capability of construction training provision Addressing future skills needs. Responding to the skills demands Following the findings of the recent Rethinking Recruitment report, CITB’s plan details how it will invest in supporting apprenticeships and building bridges between further education and work to get more learners into construction. Initiatives such as SkillBuild, work experience, taster events, and the 350-strong STEM Ambassador network, aim to inspire more young people than ever to consider construction. In addition, CITB will collaborate with employers on the Go Construct website and promote the wide range of careers construction has to offer. Coinciding with efforts to get more people to think again about a construction career, CITB will create even more accessible routes into construction, focusing on apprenticeships, alongside on-site experiences, and future rollout of occupational traineeships. A total of £60.3m in direct grants will be available to employers who take on apprentices, supporting the industry to address its current and future need for a skilled workforce. Developing the capacity and capability of construction training provision As the industry recovers from the pandemic and demand for construction projects increases, CITB will make it easier to access the right training at a time and place that is right for them. CITB will: Invest £25.9m in direct training delivery to enable the continuation of core skills training and training provision in niche and at-risk skills through CITB’s National Construction Colleges Support more than 300,000 Health Safety & Environment tests over the next year, ensuring there is good availability of tests in as many locations as possible, bringing assurance to employers that their workforce can keep themselves and those around them safe Offer enhanced grant support for priority skills such as Drylining apprentices and rainscreen cladding achievements. Addressing future skills needs Looking to the future, CITB’s plan sets out how it will address long-term challenges. The construction landscape is changing and issues such as net zero, digitisation and modern methods of construction are becoming increasingly important. CITB is investing £2.1m into research to better understand construction’s changing environment. This research will help focus CITB’s work on interventions that have the greatest impact, helping shape new training and standards development. Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I am proud to be sharing my first business plan as Chief Executive at CITB, which sets out how CITB will approach its role in supporting industry going forwards. “While progress has been made, the construction industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including inflation, rising fuel prices, the pandemic and Brexit, to name a few. In many ways the industry is still experiencing and feeling the impact of these events, which we know has shifted priorities greatly and pushed the demand for skills to the forefront. It’s essential now more than ever that efforts are focused on helping to alleviate those pressures and address the key needs of industry.” Read the full plan here. There are two case studies used within the Business Plan: – Career changer, Sabrina Robertson had a background in admin and degree in Education and Community Development. Having expressed an interest in construction opportunities at the Barking and Dagenham Construction Skills Fund (CSF) Hub, they were able to support Sabrina in securing the role of Community Liaison Officer for McLaren. – Daniel Jeffries Carpentry accessed CITB funding to help with taking on an apprentice and support the upskilling of the company’s existing employees. Daniel was supported through the application process by CITB Engagement Advisor, Darren Lawrence. For further enquiries relating to the Business Plan, please contact: press.office@citb.co.uk Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon is one of 15 construction industry leaders on a new Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce. The aim of the taskforce, which will meet for the first time in May, is to look at addressing skills gaps around the construction, retrofit and maintenance of low carbon commercial buildings in Central London boroughs. Commenting on his new role Tim said: “CITB is in the business of skills and training which is why I am pleased to be part of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce’s Strategy Steering Board. “Decarbonisation is a major challenge – and opportunity – for the construction industry. A green-skilled workforce will be vital as the UK strives to achieve the government’s net zero targets. “CITB has conducted extensive work on skills and sustainability, most recently in our Net Zero and Construction: Perspectives and Pathways report. “The report examined the skills and training needed to deliver retrofit work. It shows how training and recruitment must move with the times. This means new methods of working and the need to diversify the workforce. Construction must encourage and welcome under-represented groups, like women and people from ethnic minorities, into industry. “CITB is working with stakeholders to promote construction careers in a variety of ways, our Go Construct website is a good example. We want to see new, diverse recruits raring to use their green skills, for the good of everyone, from day one of their careers. “For this to happen governments, employers, the training sector and businesses must collaborate effectively on green skills. I’m looking forward to making progress on the challenges ahead with the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce’s Strategy Steering Board.”
The construction sector is leading the way in helping the UK economy bounce back from the pandemic and the Construction Industry Training board (CITB) is now looking for industry leaders to join its board. In this voluntary role you will help shape the future of construction as the industry works to meet the skills gap and the drive to Net Zero whilst gaining high level public body experience first hand. As a Charity and Non-Departmental Public Body, CITB has supported the construction sector for over 50 years, helping to keep workers safe on site, supporting high quality training and giving young people a start in their career. CITB raises funds through an employer levy, and works closely with employers and the Government to ensure national construction skills needs across Great Britain are met. As a CITB trustee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of CITB within a supportive team environment and be asked to ensure that CITB pursues its objectives for the benefit of the construction industry and work with fellow trustees to shape, drive and monitor CITB’s strategy. The post is a 4 year commitment, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional 4 year term. CITB CEO Tim Balcon said: “Having people sit around us on the board who are working in industry at senior level is of a huge benefit. They really have their fingers on the pulse and keep us grounded in providing a service the construction industry really needs. I look forward to welcoming the new tranche of board trustees.” Kevin McLoughlin, MD of construction SME, McLoughlin Group Holdings joined as a trustee in 2018. He is passionate about construction industry opportunities after leaving school himself at 15. “The reason I joined the CITB board was so I could give a voice for the SMEs within industry and give a focus on the skills needed in the industry whilst bringing my experience of a medium sized enterprise to the board.“It has been rewarding and stretching for me personally to be able to experience how the board works and contribute to the decisions of the board and CITB’s direction, and it has been rewarding to see CITB move to being more orientated towards skills than ever before.”Diana Garnham joined as a trustee over 7 years ago. She said: “My interest in skills is multi-levelled. I want to help individuals achieve their potential through access to skills and training to open up career and work opportunities. I see in the construction sector an environment that is keen to welcome talent from all abilities and help individuals particularly in finding their way on the first rungs of their careers. Construction has also worked with some of the hardest to reach communities. I also see construction as one of the key sectors of the UK economy and I understand how crucial skills are to ensuring its sustainability and productivity – so to be part of CITB is to also be working for the wider public benefit. She added: “Listening skills are crucial in an organisation with such a complex stakeholder environment. Understanding the role of governance, the role of the board and the need to support the executive to deliver and a collegiate approach working with fellow board members are all important. No one trustee stands alone – it’s about the Board working as a team.”Could you offer your expertise as a trustee of CITB? Find out more here.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is heralding its Construction Skills Fund (CSF) initiative a resounding success after 20,000 people became site-ready after training at its hubs; 6,000 of those from the second phase of the scheme alone. 54% of those who completed training were from groups typically under-represented in construction. The project, delivered on behalf of the Department for Education, also saw just under half (2,934) of those trained in the latest phase find *sustainable employment in the industry. The second phase ran between March 2020 and September 2021, where training took place at 14 CSF hubs across England. They were based within construction sites, so that entrants could become employment and site-ready as quickly as possible. CITB’s Strategy and Policy Director, Steve Radley said: “The numbers reflect a fantastic achievement. We also exceeded our target in encouraging people who had not previously considered construction to make a career change. We were looking at 15% coming in from outside the industry to learn site skills instead this was 46%. The figures are boosted by many people being made redundant throughout the various lockdowns and looking for a new job. “Despite what the pandemic threw at the hubs, they’ve managed to get more skilled people into the construction industry when it needed them most.” Thanks to the CSF, Natalie Visser, 33, went from being a dissatisfied care worker, who struggled to get out of bed in the morning, to becoming a machine operator thriving in the great outdoors. Reflecting on her career change, mum-of-three Natalie, from Petersfield, near Portsmouth, says: “The CSF course changed everything. I used to lie in bed not wanting to get up. That’s all gone now. I come in to work happy and go home happy. It has been life changing. I’ve found my feet in my new career and I’m so grateful to my housing association (Abri) and CSF for this.” As DFE’s project finishes, CITB has established its own network of 13 Onsite Experience hubs in England and Wales, with more hubs planned in Scotland later this year. Building on the knowledge gained from the demand for the CSF hubs, the Onsite Experience hubs offer hands-on site experience and employment-related certifications needed by local employers. 13 hubs have been approved for £9.5m of CITB funding to give over 6,800 people the opportunity to become employment and site-ready and enable at least 3,300 of these to secure sustained employment within the next three years. This will contribute towards CITB’s target of equipping 16,000 people with hands-on site experience, enabling at least 4,800 to secure sustained employment in construction by 2025. Rohan Cheriyan, CITB Commissioner for this programme added: “Our Onsite Experience hubs are providing a one-stop recruitment solution for construction employers. By linking together employers, training providers, local authorities, LEPs, community agencies and other partners, hubs enable the development of employment and site-ready people from local communities. “These well-suited candidates are then linked to employers’ vacancies, and because they have gained initial site experience and have the necessary introductory training and health & safety credentials, they are ready to hit the ground running and are proving a real success with the employers who recruit them.” Between 2021 and 2025 CITB aims to increase Great Britain’s construction talent pool through these Onsite Experience hubs, creating a skills pipeline to meet the needs of construction employers and enabling career opportunities for people from local communities. CITB encourages anyone considering a construction career to find out more about the Onsite Experience hubs across England and Wales. Scotland will join the scheme during 2022.
Construction employers are being encouraged to rethink how they attract their workforce as competition for skilled workers gets more intense. The industry faces a tough challenge to meet its recruitment needs in a labour market that is running hot and with new CITB research showing that just two per cent of those outside construction see it as their preferred industry to work in. Yet the research also shows that construction could be more successful if it aligned its recruitment approach to values where it scores highly. These include stability & security, the variety of work, the opportunity to have a positive impact and the chance to specialise and become an expert The industry also needs to widen its net to recruit the tens of thousands of new workers it needs. Currently, women only make up 14% of the workforce and workers from ethnic minorities just 6%. Fixing this isn’t just about changing the culture, it’s about making the opportunities much more visible and accessible. The Rethinking Recruitment research shows that people outside or who have little contact with the industry often have limited knowledge of what construction can offer, while negative perceptions and misconceptions surrounding culture and behaviours persist. The report also found only three-in-ten (30%) outsiders feel construction is ‘for someone like them’. However, the Rethinking Recruitment research shows construction has the chance to address these perceptions and appeal to a much wider group. The industry is described by those inside as somewhere that offers generous pay, opportunities for progression and a varied working environment. “‘There will always be opportunities in construction, and that is quite a reassuring thing to have” Female, 22, white, Professional Insiders also report it to be diverse, flexible and aligned to their values, but many outside industry are unaware that construction can offer them this. Steve Radley, CITB’s Strategy and Policy Director said: “This report is aimed at helping the industry take a fresh look at how it attracts its future workforce. Construction has massive strengths such as the ability to make a positive impact, including its contribution to Net Zero. And it scores highly on the variety of work and the opportunity to specialise, become an expert and progress your career. “Construction’s challenge is to bring the knowledge and understanding of insiders to those outside of the industry and to celebrate what is good about it. We need to fire up their enthusiasm and make it the career of choice for thousands more potential new workers. “ Informal and word-of-mouth recruitment used by the bulk of construction employers is affecting the industry’s opportunity for creating a more diverse workplace If workers without the right personal contacts don’t get a chance to apply, industry misses their talent. The research pointed to the benefit from employers highlighting, in recruitment advertising, the values important to them to help candidates identify common ground. Other points include using key strengths as identified by insiders in recruitment material, such as the stability of the job and job satisfaction from creating something – making a difference to other people’s lives by building homes – and career progression through training. Steve added: “There are some useful conclusions in the report and we hope with the widening skills gap that employers will benefit from these suggestions. “Construction has a lot to offer but the message isn’t as yet getting out to those who are looking for a career change or where to start with their career and that needs to change.” Other suggestions to improve recruitment outcomes and fix incorrect stereotypes include companies making more of ambassadors – presenting role models from their own workforce and offering site taster days and easier to access work experience. Firms are encouraged to link up with CITB’s onsite training hubs and to get in touch with their regional engagement office to take up training opportunities for staff. You can read the Rethinking Recruitment report here.
Leeds College of Building is now offering the Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship, focusing specifically on the drylining pathway. This is a Level 2 qualification and typically takes two years to complete. Working in partnership with British Gypsum to deliver the course, it includes the supply of materials, training and keeping apprentices up-to-date with product development. If you are interested, get in touch with the Apprenticeship Team on 0113 222 6041 or email wbl@lcb.ac.uk For full details click here. Key facts Where will the apprentice study? Leeds College of Building Funding band: £1400, non-levy employer contribution £700 Apprentices start: Sept 2020, however early demand could bring the first wave forward to February 2020. Apprenticeship Training Costs: If you are an apprenticeship levy-payer you could fund this course through your levy payments, and for non-levy payers you will be required to contribute 5% of the course cost. If you are a non-levy payer and have less than 50 employees and take on a 16-18 year old apprentice the course will be free. Regardless of whether you are a levy/non-levy paying company, you can claim a one-off incentive of £1,000 for taking on a 16-18 year old apprentice. The college will also support apprentices from out of the area by accommodating them free of charge in a city centre hotel whilst they are in college and also help with the travel costs. With around 60,000 Dryliners active in the UK, Drylining must, as a trade be one of the UK’s best kept secrets. Everybody knows what a plasterer or a carpenter is, but you often get blank looks when you talk about drylining. The fact is that drylining is now emerging as one of the key trades in construction. It is encouraging to see leading colleges like Leeds evidencing this by getting behind it. We now have a new Apprenticeship Standard, new providers and the new funding allows real flexibility about age of apprentices. We are also seeing significant increases in the CITB funding available for companies who take on apprentices – this is over and above the funding that you can get to cover the training. This is a huge opportunity to make 2020 the year of the apprentice, for the sector to embrace this standard as a catalyst for change, to revisit how we invest in training and work with colleges and providers to put drylining firmly on the careers map. Iain McIlwee, FIS chief executive
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a specialist trade apprenticeship, geared up to the unique needs of the structural waterproofing sector. The Structural Waterproofing (Below Ground) Apprenticeship Programme takes its first intake of participants in mid-February. Developed with and supported by the CITB, the training is open to both PCA members and those in non-member companies. It forms part of the CITB suite of new entrant programmes (SAPs) for the specialist trades. After completing the course, apprentices will be issued with an NVQ Level 2 in Sub-Structure Work Occupations (Structural Waterproofing). The apprenticeship covers a highly-specialised area of construction, which has a substantial impact on the UK economy. Research from Halifax Home Insurance in 2017 showed basements saw a 183% rise in planning applications since 2012, with London boroughs representing the top 16 local authorities. This is on top of the figure for new-build homes with basements included, as well as below ground projects for commercial environments. James Berry, Technical Manager of the PCA, said: “Structural waterproofing is a dynamic and highly-skilled area of construction and, as the trade body representing the industry, we identified the need for an apprenticeship programme to create a defined career path for new recruits. “As people look to more ways to make the best use of freeing up space in their home, office or commercial development, then structural waterproofing will continue to develop, and we need to attract a new generation of professionals into the industry to ensure high standards are retained. “The apprenticeship manual has been produced in conjunction with CITB, with input from structural waterproofing members, to ensure it meets the requirements of the industry.” The apprenticeship programme will run for 18 months and features classroom and practical training and on-the-job training. Apprentices will cover a selection of subjects including a background into the industry and the preparation and application techniques. The handling of materials and tools, as well as legislation, health and safety in the workplace will also be covered. James Berry added: “The value of both PCA training and qualifications is highly regarded – and renowned for raising standards and technical competency across the structural waterproofing industry. “The apprenticeship programme is a natural addition and will fulfil an important need in the sector.” To find out more about the apprenticeship scheme and funding options, register an interest or sign up an apprentice, please contact Jade Stocker at jade@property-care.org or call 0844 375 4301. www.property-care.org
A training hub aimed at providing opportunities for the unemployed, addressing Shropshire’s housing shortage, and boosting the county’s construction industry, has been given the go-ahead after a £650,000 Government grant was secured by a strong consortium of local businesses. Known as the Marches Construction Ready Partnership the group which includes The Wrekin Housing Trust, training provider Landau Ltd, Telford College, Beattie Passive and Hawk Safety & Training, aims to introduce around 400 skilled construction workers to the Marches area by training the long-term unemployed, students and people looking to make a career change into the construction industry. The initiative will see a construction manufacturing hub based in Telford, where learners will be taught key construction and offsite manufacturing skills needed. Learners will also receive the training necessary for the first stage construction processes for passive housing, which are advanced, low energy, draft-free buildings featuring high performance insulation to effectively eliminate heat loss. Most of the heating in these properties comes from sunlight, electrical appliances and even body heat meaning almost no heating systems are required. There will also be two mobile training hubs providing all training activities for learners on building sites across the Marches. Professionals from The Wrekin Housing Trust will oversee the supervision and management of trainees at both the on-site hubs and construction sites. Each learner will be assigned a construction worker ‘buddy’ to build confidence, ensure a supportive learning environment and reduce drop-out rates. Learners on the scheme could gain ongoing employment opportunities with The Wrekin Housing Trust and other local construction sector partners. Wayne Gethings, The Trust’s Managing Director, said: “This is a fantastic project on so many levels. It will provide training and jobs for those who have struggled to find work, which in turn means giving the construction industry access a much-needed workforce. “We are really pleased to have had the support of Telford and Wrekin Council during the bid stage of this project and we look forward to working with them and the other local authorities across the Marches area to deliver on the project by providing training opportunities and much needed affordable homes.” Sonia Roberts, CEO at Landau Ltd, said: “The hubs will provide high-quality on-site environment to engage with those who have previously struggled with traditional learning environments, taking them successfully through the ‘Work Ready’, ‘Site Ready’, ‘Skills Ready’ course modules. “The factory training hub will be equipped to focus upon learning skills used in construction- manufacturing of Passivhaus structural panels. The skill set taught is transferable within the construction industry and enables the learner to quickly master local industry-required manufacturing techniques.” Graham Guest, Principal and CEO at Telford College, said: “We provide opportunities for learning across a whole range of subjects everyday and we are really excited to be part of this project working with local employers to help provide the skills for individuals to enter the construction industry. At Telford College we will be working with learners on their employability skills during the work ready module, which will complement the hands-on skills that they will move on to.” Matt Bourne, General Manager at Safety and Training which is part of the Hawk Group, said: “We relish the opportunity to be working on this project with local partners to provide opportunities to get into such a rewarding industry. At Safety and Training we provide learning and support to many of the construction sector’s biggest players and during this project we will be helping to make the learners site ready.” Martin Rinvolucri at Passivhaus designers Beattie Passive said: “The Passivhaus structures will ensure that the homes built for affordable rent, will be of the highest quality and performance. The homes will be extremely comfortable and promote healthy living, have low maintenance costs over the long-term and up to 90% fuel reduction, helping to eradicate fuel poverty”. Gill Hamer, Director of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership which supported the funding bid, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have supported this project throughout its development and worked with industry to bring much-needed on-site construction skills training to the region. “This scheme will help boost our economy, create employment opportunities and offer a new route into the construction industry for anyone wishing to develop their skills.” Funding for this project comes from the Construction Skills Fund which aims to create 20 training hubs around the country. The 18-month scheme is funded by the Department for Education administered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Increasing Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) throughout the construction sector supply chain is one of the challenges facing Julie Timothy of Bouygues UK, as she has been appointed one of Wales’ first FIR ambassadors. As part of the work of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, FIR Ambassadors have been trained and appointed in the construction sector to imbed principles of equality and diversity into their companies. With that in mind, Julie Timothy, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager for Bouygues UK for South Wales and the West, has been appointed as a FIR Ambassador. Speaking of her new role, Julie said: “Bouygues UK is already a forward-thinking and inclusive company, but with my FIR Ambassador role I can work to further imbed these practices into our supply chain, to ensure that all who work with Bouygues UK, whether a sub-contractor or employee, are treated with fairness and respect. “Construction is seen as a bullish and macho industry, but in truth it is a professional and highly skilled sector which employs a diverse and varied workforce, which is why I feel it is even more important that FIR Ambassadors are in place to ensure these key behaviours are maintained.” The Supply Chain School in Wales has been created to provide support to organisations by providing free resources enabling construction companies to understand what sustainability in construction means in Wales. It is funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The CITB predicts that Wales will lead growth in the UK’s construction sector until 2020, with an estimated 12,250 jobs created over the next five years. The industry also has to tackle the challenges of different regulations on building sites in Wales because of devolution. FIR Ambassadors are important for the future of the construction sector; the skills shortage in the industry means that organisations need a wide talent pool so increasing diversity in this talent pool helps to address this – and a diverse workforce also ensures that companies are able to reflect the diverse needs of their clients. Small to medium construction businesses are being encouraged to join the FIR Ambassadors scheme, to help encourage these good behaviours throughout the construction sector, support compliance within the sector and help create an open, positive and inclusive working environment. As the FIR Ambassador scheme is funded by the CITB, e-learning modules, workshops and training are all free to access. The benefits to SME building businesses in embracing the FIR scheme include better productivity, improved staff engagement and innovation, a way to attract new talent to the business and an improved reputation. For more information about the FIR Ambassador Scheme, please visit https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/uk/fir/construction/ambassadors/ambassadors.aspx
The Construction Industry Training Board, or CITB have been given their last chance by the Federation of Master Builders, or FMB. Members of the FMB are divided in regards to their opinions on the future of the CITB. Some members would like to see the training board continue, while others feel that the organisation should be completely scrapped. Despite the split decision about the training organisation’s future, it has been agreed upon by members of the Federation that the CITB does not work for smaller firms operating in the construction industry. The call has been made by the FMB for the CITB to carry out significant reforms in order to deliver quality training on a large scale in the smaller firms of the construction industry. The FMB has made the decision to support the continuation of the levy. However, they have explicitly stated that this continuation of support is not an agreement with the status quo, and feel that the CITB is broken, and support is needed from the industry in order to make sure that in the future the levy works for everyone. It is thought that unless the changes are put into place there could be an impact on the construction skills crisis, which will continue to get worse. If a transformation of the CITB isn’t carried out and the skills crisis get worse, the Government will fail in their house building and infrastructure ambitions. It is vital that, for the CITB to succeed, there needs to a review into how the organisation is structured. The CITB Board at the moment only contains one representative from SMEs in the construction industry. This needs to change to ensure more impact and lead to better changes to benefit the smaller companies in this industry. The reforms need to spread further than the CITB according to the FMB with other changes suggested including making the grant scheme more simple, allowing SMEs to claim back CITB grants.
