Covid-19: CITB chief exec update - 7 April 2021

Good afternoon,  

I hope everyone enjoyed a good break last weekend. This week we launch the Nation Plans, detailing skills priorities for England, Scotland and Wales. There is also a reminder that the deadline is this Sunday to have your say in our Levy proposals consultation, and news that hundreds of Level 3 qualifications are now free for some adults as part of a Government initiative.  

England, Scotland and Wales plans 

Today we have launched the Nation Plans for England, Scotland and Wales, aligned with our Business Plan that we published last week and based on skills needs discussions with the three Nation Councils of employers large and small. Key points include: 

In England, Construction Skills Fund hubs will provide 2,314 work experience places to help create new entrants ready to work onsite, there will be 3,700 taster experiences in construction to attract the next generation, and investment of £79m will support 1,600 apprenticeships. 

In Scotland, the focus will be on grants, training and apprenticeship support to help with immediate needs, supporting new workers, learners and work placements to improve the skills landscape, and addressing new challenges including Brexit, digital skills, Net Zero, and climate change. 

In Wales, CITB will support construction to make a career in the sector easier to access and build on its successful See Your Site initiative that provided 280 learners from 13 colleges with taster experiences alongside 10 employers. In partnership with Careers Wales and employers, a competency framework will be developed to allow new starters to understand how their career can progress. 

You can read the Nation Plans here.  

Sunday 11 April is the Levy proposals consultation deadline  

This is another reminder to you that our consultation on the Levy Proposals 2022-25 closes on Sunday 11 April.  

CITB registered employers can have their say on the way we raise the Levy for the next three years, and give feedback on our plans for supporting construction recovery here.  

Level 3 qualifications now free for some adults 

On 1 April nearly 400 Level 3 qualifications became free to access for over-24s without A-levels, an advanced technical diploma or equivalent.  

This is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, and includes qualifications in construction trades like formwork, painting and decorating and several others. 

You can find out more about free courses here.    

Best wishes and stay safe everyone,  

Sarah Beale  
Chief Executive