CITB sets out skills priorities in new strategic plan

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched its 2024-25 business plan, which outlines an investment of £267 million in the year ahead.

The plan focuses on three priority areas: 

CITB plans to further expand the New Entrant Support Team (NEST), which was launched in 2023-24 and helps employers navigate the recruitment process, access grants and suitable training. 

NEST is expected to contribute to a 15% increase in the number of new entrants joining the industry. 

CITB’s new Industry Impact Fund will be further expanded, making direct funding available to employers to design and test new solutions for talent recruitment and retention challenges.

CITB will also focus on developing new Competence Frameworks which will be used to develop qualifications that will support individuals throughout their training.

Tim Balcon, CITB chief executive, said: "This year we have built on our previous plans to embark on a paradigm shift in thinking around construction skills and this business plan will help us achieve this.

"Our new plan sets out how we will invest in the skills system to ensure it is fit for purpose and fit for the future. We will work in partnership with employers, from the smallest to the largest, so that the training demands of the construction industry can be met with high-quality training provision.”

The plan also sets out how CITB will expand its newly introduced Employer Network, rolling it out across Great Britain, to enable local employers to set their own funding priorities and meet area-specific skills needs. 

By 2025, CITB aims to increase the number of employers supported to train and upskill their workforce by 14% and increase the number of individuals supported by 13%.

In addition, CITB will invest £30 million in the National Construction College (NCC). The money will be invested in the three sites’ buildings, infrastructure, and plant, with sustainability at the forefront of these changes.

Balcon added: “Changing the skills landscape is not an easy task and not one that can be achieved overnight, but this year’s plan is a significant step forward."

Find out more about the 2024-25 business plan here.