Business Plan 2023/24
Over the coming year we’re investing over £253m to support British construction. CITB’s business plan will build on our achievements to date, and our work will focus on tackling three key priority areas:
- Improving construction’s people pipeline
- Creating defined training pathways
- Delivering an efficient training supply
1. Improving construction’s people pipeline
The labour market has over a million vacancies and approximately 250,000 are seeking employment. Construction needs a stronger pipeline of talent and more direct access to skilled jobs. However, there are barriers to attracting new talent. Research indicates potential new recruits don’t have positive perceptions of the industry. As a result, only 30% feel that construction is ‘for them.’
2. Creating defined training pathways
A skills system where training pathways are defined and flexible, with achievements validated through the Construction Training Register, is one of our top objectives. In 2023-24 CITB will produce qualification and training pathways for 20% of the industry’s additional skills demands, focusing on priority occupations such as bricklaying, carpentry and joinery.
3. Delivering an efficient training supply
An effective training supply is imperative to meet the skills needs of industry. Employers have told us they are looking to upskill their workforce to fill gaps and show their employees that they are valued and willing to pay for training to improve their careers. In addition, mandatory core occupational skills training needs to be delivered efficiently. To make this work, CITB will provide financial incentives to help businesses to do more training and work with providers to ensure good quality training is available when and where it’s needed.
How we will work with our partners
Our plan cements the work we’ll be doing to address the priority areas. Our partners are central to our work, and this is how we will work with them.
Putting employers in the driving seat
CITB will empower employers to determine their local skills needs through Training Groups and other employer networks. In August 2022 we announced an £800,000 investment in a new Employer Network Pilot project, a radical new venture that will improve the way industry receives funding for training. This work will continue in 2023-24. We have allocated £3m in 23-24 and £6m per year after that, as well as continuing to fund Training Groups with £3.3m.
Working with Government
As part of this work, we will collaborate to ensure there are clear progression routes into the industry and to help people upskill through the skills system. This includes supporting the development of new apprenticeship models, T Levels, and ongoing Government qualifications reviews.
Working with our Nation Councils
Our Nation Councils are one way we collaborate and consult with industry to help us make sure that our work meets the needs of England, Scotland and Wales. Our annual Nation Plans complement this Business Plan. These plans are supported by our Councils and include specific interventions and projects for each nation in line with the three challenges. Specific projects continue to be targeted at a national level, where appropriate, to respond to differing needs and challenges.
Working with industry stakeholders
Our strong and positive working partnerships with Prescribed Organisations and Federations are key to achieving our plan. To ensure employers’ voices are represented, we will work closely with our Prescribed Organisations on all three construction challenges to benefit the entire industry. Their insight and support remain a key component for our careers, standards, qualifications and training initiatives.