EMPLOYERS CAN NOW receive expert advice and support from sector specific networks, as part of the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) employer network pilot.

The CITB pilot launched local training networks in August 2022 with an initial £800,000 investment. It connects employers with established delivery partners to help them recognise their training priorities and the best routes to achieving them. This way of working provides the opportunity for employers to voice their training requirements and play a role in deciding how funds are used in their local area.

The 12-month local initiative is available to 3,800 levy-registered construction businesses and offered across five locations in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Roofing Services

One business reaping the rewards is Aspect Group Services Ltd. The East Anglian business provides various services across roofing, scaffolding, property refurbishment and development, and was informed about the employer network pilot through the Norfolk Construction Training Group (NCTG).

Katie Laws-Chapman, Aspect Group Services Office Manager, said: “Initially we were hesitant, as we were accustomed to claiming training back from CITB through the usual process. However, through discussions with our contacts at NCTG, we were assured the process would be simple and we would have greater benefits due to the wide scope the employer network covered.

“As we are a mix of site-based operatives and office-based staff, we were able to request support for a wider variety of courses than previously possible. It was very beneficial to be able to combine both sets of training requirements for our staff through the employer network.”

Stacey Felmingham, Office Coordinator for Aspect Group Services, added: “With the support from the NCTG we have been able to navigate the employer network process effectively and efficiently. The simplicity and broad scope of the initiative has allowed us to offer training to more employees than we initially budgeted for over the year, which is fantastic news as a business and for the individual!”

Employer Network Pilot

Tim Balcon, CITB CEO

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m thrilled to see the great results this pilot is already achieving in such a short space of time! The real drive behind this project is ensuring employers get the support they need to train and develop their workforces. By expanding the networks to include niche technical expertise, this should simplify the process and make it even easier for employers to get the most out of their training budgets.”

There’s still time to get involved if you are based within one of the five pilot areas – sign up here. Your voice can help shape the future of training provision.

>> Read more about CITB in the news

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