CITB Unveils £1.15bn Investment Plan to Tackle Construction Skills Crisis

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced a £1.15 billion investment as part of its Strategic Plan 2025–29, aiming to tackle the construction industry’s growing skills gap and improve training accessibility.

With the UK facing a shortage of skilled workers, CITB’s strategy focuses on attracting new talent, enhancing training provision, and supporting employers in developing and retaining their workforce. The plan includes:

• £554 million to promote careers in construction and attract new entrants.
• £315 million to support businesses in upskilling their workforce.
• £137 million to simplify training routes and increase accessibility.

CITB CEO Tim Balcon emphasised the importance of industry collaboration: “The construction sector is vital to the UK economy, and we need to ensure we have the workforce to meet demand. Our investment will make training more accessible and support businesses in developing skilled workers.”

The initiative aims to deliver 1.5 million new homes and major infrastructure projects while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry. CITB has also pledged to engage with over 5 million potential new entrants and provide direct funding support to over 35,000 employers.

With an expected annual levy income of £239 million, CITB plans to drive a 5% increase in employer confidence in training availability, helping to close the skills gap and secure the future of UK construction.