CITB investing £150m in apprenticeship grants across UK

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), a UK body supporting skills development in the construction industry, is urging construction companies to increase the number of apprenticeship starts by applying for CITB apprenticeship grants.

construction training CITB has established the New Entrant Support Team (NEST) (Photo: AdobeStock)

From April 2023 to March 2025, CITB says that it is investing nearly £150 million (€179 million) in apprenticeship grants.

According to CITB’s latest Employer Voice survey, 31% of employers plan to hire an apprentice, while an additional 48% are considering it. To assist employers in navigating the recruitment process, accessing grants, and finding suitable training, CITB has established the New Entrant Support Team (NEST).

Launched in January 2023, the company said that NEST has helped over 2,318 individuals begin their apprenticeships that year.

In total, CITB supported over 29,000 apprentices in 2023 facilitated by NEST and the expansion of the National Construction College’s offerings.

Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, said, “A strong apprenticeship pipeline is vital for SME employers and a healthy construction industry. Over two-thirds of apprenticeship starts in the construction industry are employed by companies of fewer than 50 employees.

“We’re seeing strong demand for our apprenticeship and qualification grants, and we want to keep up the momentum. There are over 100 different construction apprenticeship roles that lead to careers in construction, and we encourage employers and people considering joining the industry to consider what apprenticeship role could work for them.

“As well as continuing to drive up apprenticeship start numbers, we also need to improve retention and attract apprentices to pursue a career in construction. Currently some 60% of further education learners on construction courses do not end up in the industry – we need to tackle this issue with effective recruitment and training while promoting the benefits of joining the industry.”

STAY CONNECTED

Receive the information you need when you need it through our world-leading magazines, newsletters and daily briefings.

Sign up

CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
Andy Brown Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786224 E-mail: [email protected]
Neil Gerrard Senior Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 7355 092 771 E-mail: [email protected]
Catrin Jones Deputy Editor, Editorial, UK – Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 791 2298 133 E-mail: [email protected]
Eleanor Shefford Brand Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786 236 E-mail: [email protected]