Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Company Profile

Background

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) serves as the industry training board for the construction sector across England, Scotland, and Wales. Established on 21 July 1964 under the Industrial Training Act, CITB's primary mission is to support the construction industry in developing a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce. As an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Education, CITB operates with autonomy over its budget and activities while remaining accountable to government ministers and Parliament.

Key Strategic Focus

CITB's strategic objectives are centered on:

Informing and Enabling Entry into Construction: Enhancing awareness and accessibility of construction careers to attract a diverse talent pool.

Developing Future-Ready Training Systems: Crafting training and skills frameworks that align with evolving industry needs.

Supporting Workforce Training and Development: Facilitating continuous professional development to maintain a competent workforce.

Financials and Funding

CITB's funding model is primarily based on a statutory levy collected from construction employers, which is then redistributed through grants and funding initiatives to support training and development within the industry. In the fiscal year 2023-24, CITB invested over £128.6 million in grants, benefiting 15,710 employers and supporting 26,349 apprentices. Additionally, £27.1 million was allocated to targeted interventions, with £7.5 million directly assisting 2,400 small and micro businesses, thereby supporting the training and upskilling of more than 38,000 individuals.

Pipeline Development

CITB's initiatives in pipeline development include:

Apprenticeship Support: In 2023-24, CITB supported over 26,200 apprenticeships, issuing £61.5 million in apprenticeship grants.

Training Courses: The organization provided grant support for over 173,000 short-duration training courses, enhancing the skills of the existing workforce.

Employer Networks: CITB's Employer Network pilot allowed employers to determine how CITB funding could be best utilized in their areas, leading to increased engagement and tailored training solutions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

CITB leverages various technological platforms and methodologies to advance its mission:

Go Construct: A comprehensive online resource offering information on construction careers, which attracted over 1.4 million visits in 2023-24.

Talentview: A platform facilitating job applications within the construction sector, with over 6,300 individuals registered.

Digital Skills Initiatives: CITB collaborates with the Construction Leadership Council to develop skills plans that unlock construction's digital future, including the adoption of Building Information Management and immersive learning technologies.

Leadership Team

Tim Balcon: Chief Executive Officer

Background: Appointed in 2021, Tim brings extensive experience in skills development and organizational leadership.

Contributions: Under his leadership, CITB has focused on empowering employers and enhancing training accessibility, as evidenced by initiatives like the Employer Network pilot and NEST.

Leadership Changes

In 2021, Tim Balcon succeeded Sarah Beale as Chief Executive Officer, marking a strategic shift towards more employer-centric approaches in CITB's operations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The UK construction industry faces significant skills challenges, with a projected need for an additional 251,500 construction workers by 2028 to meet expected levels of work.

Competitor Analysis

National Federation of Builders (NFB): Focuses on representing small to medium-sized builders, offering training and development programs tailored to their needs.

Home Builders Federation (HBF): Collaborates with CITB on projects like the £2.7 million initiative pooling expertise from over 40 homebuilders to attract new entrants and provide focused training.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CITB engages in significant collaborations to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity:

Construction Leadership Council (CLC): Works jointly on skills plans to modernize the industry and increase productivity.

Home Builders Federation (HBF): Partners on initiatives to attract new talent and provide specialized training within the homebuilding sector.

Department for Education: Collaborates on developing Occupational Traineeships to support progression from Further Education into construction jobs or apprenticeships.

Operational Insights

CITB's strategic considerations include:

Employer Empowerment: Initiatives like the Employer Network pilot allow employers to have a greater say in how CITB funding is utilized, leading to more tailored and effective training solutions.

Digital Transformation: Emphasis on digital skills and technologies to modernize the industry and increase productivity.

Diversity and Inclusion: Efforts to create a more inclusive workforce by supporting underrepresented groups and promoting fairness, inclusion, and respect within the industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

CITB's strategic roadmap focuses on:

Addressing Skills Gaps: Implementing initiatives to bridge the skills gap and ensure a competent and productive workforce.

Enhancing Training Accessibility: Making skills training more accessible through employer-led networks and digital platforms.

Promoting Industry Modernization: Encouraging the adoption of modern methods of construction and digital technologies to improve efficiency and attract new talent.