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The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has unveiled its Business Plan for 2023-24, announcing an investment of over £250 million to support the construction industry across Britain.
The plan introduces the Industry Impact Fund, which launches today and invites CITB-registered employers to apply for up to £500,000. The fund encourages innovative solutions addressing skills and training challenges in productivity, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
CITB’s plan aims to give employers more say on the most effective solutions for tackling significant skills challenges in the industry by focusing on three core priorities. The three priorities outlined are improving construction’s people pipeline, creating defined training pathways, and delivering an efficient training supply.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Business Plan, stating, “I’m delighted to present our new Business Plan today, which aims to put employers in the driving seat by making the skills system work more efficiently for them. This year we are focusing on three core priorities and have increased investment by nearly £20m to ensure the right initiatives and funding are in place.”
Balcon also highlighted the innovative new Industry Impact Fund, noting, “This fund will help employers in multiple ways but ultimately, it will empower them to have a greater say on construction training.”
In response to the need for nearly 45,000 additional workers annually until 2027, CITB’s plan includes investing an additional £8.2 million in new initiatives for 2023-24. These initiatives aim to enhance existing products like Go Construct and Onsite Experience hubs and simplify the hiring of apprentices through the New Entrant Employer Support Team. The plan also allocates £63 million for Apprenticeship Attendance and Achievement Grants.
To create clearer and more flexible routes into construction, CITB will produce nine qualification and training pathways covering the most in-demand trades. The plan also outlines CITB’s intent to continue researching modern construction methods and developing competence frameworks in accordance with the Building Safety Act.
CITB’s commitment to improving training quality and availability is evident in their plan to invest over £100 million in grants and funding schemes, including doubling the short course grant rates. The organization will also expand its network of recognized training providers and invest nearly £30 million in the National Construction College (NCC) to enhance facilities and training quality.
With the anticipated upturn in the construction industry in 2024, CITB’s new Business Plan and Industry Impact Fund aim to empower employers and foster innovation in skills and training.
