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More than 4,000 employers benefited from CITB’s Employer Networks initiative last year – could it support your business too?
For employers who are seeking bespoke, easy-to-access training and financial support, the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Employer Networks can provide a simple and effective solution.
The initiative gives employers a direct channel to communicate their training needs and advise on how funding should be prioritised and allocated in their local area. Additionally, it enables CITB to be more responsive to industry needs on both regional and national levels.
For almost a third of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly with more older workers retiring and not being replaced. By encouraging greater dialogue with employers and removing barriers to engagement with training, the Employer Networks help address the skills gap and build a stronger future for the industry.
Easy access to training
Last year (2024-25) was the second full year of operation for the initiative, and figures show the Networks supported 50,966 learners, up 11,468 from the previous year. The figures also reveal that Employer Networks supported 4,097 employers – including 2,655 small and micro businesses.
Deb Madden, Executive Director for Nations Engagement, CITB, said: “It’s vital we have a firm grasp of what skills are required and where they’re needed across the country. Employer Networks are designed to make the training and skills system easier to navigate for employers, in turn helping to address the skills gap.
“Our latest Employer Networks figures prove the initiative has been hugely successful, and we look forward to building on this success and continue providing much-needed access to training for more employers and learners.
“There is an increasing demand for construction work in the UK, and construction employers are clearly aware of the opportunity and the need for training, with 80% of employers indicating they plan to increase their training efforts in the future. We’re always striving to improve our services and embed a culture of quality into what we do – Employer Networks are a prime example of this.”
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, added: “I’m really excited about Employer Networks – this is about putting employers in the driving seat to identify and address their skills challenges and how best CITB can align our funding and resources to support their skills needs.
“I would encourage employers in their Employer Networks areas to get involved and use their voice to shape training provision.”
Employers can sign up to their local Employer Network and find out more about the initiative here
