COVID-19 - Urgent messages and industry updates

Apprenticeships are essential to safeguard the future of the construction industry amid the skills shortage. 

The coronavirus outbreak is putting employers, in particular smaller firms, under extreme pressure and CITB will continue to support them through this crisis.

As of 21 May over 10,800 apprentices have been contacted by our Apprenticeship officers to make them aware of support available. CITB’s partnerships team also signposted support details to over 1,000 employers and sought to address their needs.

Here are some of the measure we’ve introduced to help apprentices so far…

COVID-19 safety checklist for on-site apprentices

The checklist, based around the CLC guidance, contains measures that employers/site management must have in place to ensure they are adequately protecting apprentices and others.

Apprentice achievement grants

We are aware that due to the current situation there is a delay in Apprenticeship completion certificates being issued by centres. As a result of this, we are currently accepting email confirmation of achievement from the awarding body, in lieu of the certificate, when applying for Apprenticeship achievement grant.

ESFA – guidance for apprentices and employers

CITB has worked with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to discuss funding rules on breaks in learning for apprentices. ESFA have issued guidance for apprentices, employers and training providers, you can read the guidance here.

Online learning tools

Online learning tools (functional, core and essential skills videos with Welsh language versions) have also been made available to help apprentices continue their studies from home. These videos are available to all apprentices, not just CITB’s.  Information on how to register and access the videos can be found. On self-registration, just pick a letter (surname) and number of your choice.

Dedicated helpline

A dedicated e-mail helpline for all apprentices and their employers  providing advice and signposting during COVID-19 has been set-up by CITB.  Please e-mail us at Apprenticeships.COVID19@citb.co.uk for assistance.

Apprentice reviews and engagement

CITB has taken the decision to base all staff at home wherever possible. As a result, apprentice reviews and engagement with your apprentices and colleagues will be carried out via phone or Skype . We would appreciate your support with this as we work to keep our staff, and yours, safe.

Your Apprenticeship Officer will continue to be your point of contact and will provide ongoing support to you and your apprentices.

A letter was issued to all apprentices via email on 19 March, advising them that their Apprenticeship Officer will be in touch and in the meantime to follow NHS and UK Government guidance

We will contact you with more information as the situation develops.

CITB urges all employers not to dismiss any apprentices without first speaking to our Apprenticeship team (email: Apprenticeships.COVID19@citb.co.uk)

Last updated: 21 May 2020

CITB eCourse: 'Setting up and operating a safe construction site during COVID-19'

This free to access eCourse has been specifically designed for managers and supervisors, although it can be accessed by anyone who would like to improve their awareness of the correct COVID-19 safety measures that should be followed.

By attending this course managers and supervisors will be able to deliver toolbox talks to their teams with confidence and knowledge.

Topics covered include:

• the importance of site inductions
• understanding a virus
• social distancing
• risk management
• current legislative guidance.

Last updated: 29 October 2020

Construction Talent Retention Scheme

The ‘Construction Talent Retention Scheme’ is a not-for-profit programme. Led by the Construction Leadership council (CLC) the scheme is a partnership between the government and industry, including CITB, designed to secure and retain essential talent in the UK construction sector.

The Scheme, part of  the government’s plans to build back better from COVID-19, will help businesses to rapidly recruit talented individuals and reduce skills shortages at this pivotal time in the nation’s economic recovery.

The online portal, which is free to use up until April 2021, allows the redeployment of staff at risk of redundancy cross the industry and enables temporary employee loans between businesses. It also gives displaced workers from other sectors a route to find new employment.

Employers

If you’re an employer looking to recruit, this simple, easy to use platform enables you to promote an unlimited number of vacancies; search for online profiles and CVs; and recruit employees on a local, regional and national basis.

You can directly manage information about your business on tailored company pages and microsites; promote your services, latest vacancies, news and events to skilled workers seeking new opportunities, and contact them directly.

Interested in finding out more?

Download the flyer for Employers (PDF 263KB)

Register here

If you’re willing to take on an apprentice who has been made redundant please contact the CTRS or contact us.    

Employees (those candidates looking for work)

If you are an individual looking for work, this easy to use platform allows you to showcase your experience and skills. It works by promoting you to interested organisations across the UK and allows direct contact between you.

Automated job alerts and saved searches allow you to keep in touch with any new opportunities. You can also track and manage all your job applications and any expressions of interest you receive.

Simply register to upload your personal profile and CV, and search for vacancies on a local, regional or national basis.

Interested in finding out more?

Download the flyer for candidates (PDF 630KB)

Register here

By mid-August almost 600 organisations had registered for the CTRS with over 300 vacancies posted since its launch on July 24. Register today and together we will build back better.

Whether you’re a business or someone looking for work, visit the site for more information.

ATO customer service telephone lines

Due to ongoing challenges outside of our control surrounding COVID-19, we have had to temporarily close our customer service lines for ATO customers, effective from 16 November 2020. 

This is a temporary closure and will last until 2 December 2020 initially, in line with government lockdown restrictions. The situation will then be reviewed. 

Should you need to contact us please email our dedicated mailbox: ctdservices@citb.co.uk 

ATO course delivery

As the construction industry gets back to work, we continue to support our Approved Training Organisations (ATOs), employers and delegates, as we all adapt to the challenges faced by COVID-19.

The role played by Approved Training Organisations is crucial and, with the various home nations updating their guidance as we move into recovery, to support employee competency and meet the demand for training, we are encouraging ATOs to review their course offering.

How to find training

Whether you prefer face to face or remote training everything you need is here:

• You can find a list of all short duration training on the CITB website
• Use the Construction Training Directory (course search using the keyword 'Remote Learning'
• Use the CITB website standards search using the keyword 'Remote Learning'
• Use the list of Remote learning standards (PDF, 120KB) that are in the Assured category.

For standards that sit in the recognised category please contact the relevant Recognised Organisation to see if these standards can be delivered remotely.

To support ATOs the following measures remain in place:

• The 10-day achievement upload rule has been relaxed
• Self assessments:
  • self-assessments for the October changes must be completed by 4 December:
    Standards in development to full standards, October 2020 (PDF, 282KB)
  • De-activated standards, October 2020 (PDF, 133KB)

Grant Codes

If you are an employer looking to claim short duration grants please review the Grant Codes for Short Duration standards list (PDF, 376KB) for the most up to date information.

Remember if you claim your grant this way the achievement will not be visible on the Construction Training Register (CTR).

CTD and CTR improvements

Recent improvements include a new resources area and improved search functionality for finding a course or learner. This has seen an increase in the number of successful learner searches via the Construction Training Register and Card Checker.

We will provide further updates as and when we can.

Last updated: 13 November 2020

Skills and Training Fund

Our Skills and Training Fund has been refreshed and now encompasses two strands supporting; micro and small companies (up to 100 employees), medium sized businesses (up to 250 employees) to become a wider offer for employers. CITB has adapted to the COVID-19 situation by amending the scope of activity that will be supported offering more flexibility on what businesses can apply for.

The fund comprises two streams:

• A Skills and Training fund for micro and small businesses where businesses can apply for a maximum of £10,000 (full details and how to apply) depending on the size of the employer.
• A Skills and Training fund for medium-sized businesses where employers with up to 250 employees are eligible to receive up to £25,000 (full details and how to apply).  

Based on employer need the fund will allow businesses to define then address their particular challenges. The focus has broadened from productivity and innovation, to helping employers with business sustainability and skill retention – key concerns for the construction industry in the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in at the moment.

Thanks to feedback from our customers the stream for medium sized businesses includes greater flexibility on funding rules to ensure it addresses employers’ immediate needs. I urge interested employers to contact their local CITB Advisor to talk about how they can make this funding opportunity work for them.

This video provides further information on the funds and you can also read the news story on the launch. 

Leadership and Management Development Fund

The Leadership and Management Development Fund is a one-year competitive fund that will enable large construction companies (with more than 250 directly employed staff) to invest in developing the leadership, management or supervisory skills of their staff. Deadline for applications was 31 July 2020. More details are available on the Leadership and Management Development Fund page.

Commissioned Funding

We recognise that planned work and outputs on short and medium term CITB projects you are working on will almost certainly be affected by COVID-19.  CITB understands that the progress of the commission may be affected in a variety of ways because staff are unable to do the relevant work, that beneficiaries may be unable to attend as usual and events and meetings may be cancelled.

Please be assured that we understand that you may need to pause, postpone or change the work you are doing and that you may also need to adjust targets and reprofile payments. Members of the team will contact you shortly, if they have not done so already, to discuss the impact on the commission of COVID-19 and work with you to ensure changes to the commission are managed as effectively as possible.  Of course, there are likely to be long-term implications as a result, but we can explore these in due course

In the meantime there is no need to contact us – please focus your attention on your beneficiaries, your teams and yourselves.

Last updated: 5 November 2020

Grant customer service telephone lines

Due to ongoing challenges outside of our control surrounding COVID-19, we have had to temporarily close our customer service lines for Grant, effective from 16 November 2020. 

This is a temporary closure and will last until 2 December 2020 initially, in line with government lockdown restrictions.  The situation will then be reviewed. 

Should you need to contact us please could email our dedicated mailbox: levy.grant@citb.co.uk  

We will continue to process Grant applications as a priority.

We have frozen the 20-week processing rule, to allow employers to claim grants later as a result of the disruption caused by the pandemic. The 20 week processing rule will be re-introduced from 1 December 2020.

Grant Online

We have created a short document outlining how you can access CITB’s Grant Online service: CITB Online - Grant Online top tips (PDF, 513KB)

We urge employers to check their Grant Online accounts for claims which need authorising. 

Grant scheme year extended

The deadline for claim applications for the Grant Scheme Year 2019 / 2020 has been extended to the end of November 2020. Whilst the Grant Scheme Year normally concludes on the 30 June, we have extended the deadline to provide additional time to businesses to claim through this challenging period. 

Apprentice achievement grants

​We are aware that due to the current situation there is a delay in Apprenticeship completion certificates being issued by centres. As a result of this, we are currently accepting email confirmation of achievement from the awarding body, in lieu of the certificate, when applying for Apprenticeship achievement grant.​

This applies to Apprenticeship achievements, Short period qualifications and Long period qualifications.

Last updated: 13 November 2020

Important - COVID-19 guidance

Pearson Professional Centres continue to operate the HS&E test, following Government guidance, tiered systems and restrictions when required. Please check your test confirmation email or letter for details of safety measures at the Test Centre including the requirement to wear face coverings, or for any changes to your scheduled appointment.

ITCs throughout the UK should ensure that they make the decision on whether to deliver testing in line with the guidance issued by their respective Government. CITB would like to remind ITCs that it is essential that all COVID-19 advice is followed and that you comply with all health, safety and welfare Government-issued guidelines in order to protect all staff and delegates.

Please see below the links to the Government websites:

• Scotland
• Wales
• England
• Northern Ireland.

Impact of card renewals

We understand the availability of testing may have an impact on card applications and renewals, so we have been liaising with card scheme providers to agree how to tackle this challenge. You can find more on this by following the links below for the latest advice.

• CSCS
• CPCS
• NPORS

Test Centre availability and candidate support

We are continuing to work alongside Pearson VUE to maximise testing capacity, however, there are some centres experiencing longer wait times than usual. Social distancing rules enforced by the UK Governments are continuing to impact on operations, meaning centres cannot run at full capacity.

Please continue to check availability as spaces are being continually reviewed.

Where testing capacity is limited, we have the following temporary LITE testing products as well as some suggested test delivery guidelines (PDF file, 178KB). This is to help employers run their own in-house interim testing to give a level of local assurance that an employee is safe to work on their site. Permission to allow the employee on site is at the discretion of the employer.

Please note: This is an interim measure only. These LITE tests cannot be used to apply for a CSCS or CPCS card, candidates must pass a HS&E test in a Test Centre before applying for a card.

CITB: LITE Operatives and Specialist HS&E TEST only

• Apple iOs version
• Android version
• PC download version

CITB: LITE Managers and Professionals HS&E TEST only

• Apple iOs version
• Android version
• PC download version

Employers can use the app and/or the windows PC/Laptop download to 'test' their employees in a controlled environment.

Our supporting revision products are still available on Apple iOS, Android and PC Download.

If you have any concerns or queries, please email: HSEtestdev@citb.co.uk

Last updated: 25 November 2020

Levy customer service telephone lines

Due to ongoing challenges outside of our control surrounding COVID-19, we have had to limit customer service lines for Levy, Grant and ATO customers, effective from Monday 16 November 2020. The Levy lines will only be available for Levy payment only.

This is a temporary reduced service and will last until 2 December 2020 initially, in line with government lockdown restrictions. The situation will then be reviewed. 

Should you need to contact us please email our dedicated mailbox: levy.grant@citb.co.uk

Levy collection and payment

CITB has been exploring with government ways to cut the Levy bill, recognising the cash-flow challenges that industry faces. By law, we must collect the Levy, but we've developed a solution that will reduce payments for all Levy payers and offer an extended 'payment holiday'.

We are asking for no Levy payments until September, and then employers will have a choice to pay up-front or over a 12 month period to August 2021.

In addition, next year's Levy bills will be delayed and cut by 50%. This bill can also be paid in one go, or spread over up to 6 months, from September 2021 - February 2022.

This means an overall Levy cut of 25% across two years.

Levy collection will then return to 'normal' rates and collection periods from March 2022.

Notes

All levy bills, raised before 2020, should have been paid by this point. Employers in arrears should contact CITB at levyaccountsteam@citb.co.uk to discuss payment options.

We are talking now to the UK Government to influence support for the construction industry, including seeking a financial grant for our work building critical industry skills.

You can watch a video of CITB Chief Executive Sarah Beale explaining suspension of levy collection.

Last updated: 13 November 2020

Following the announcement from the Government and the four week lockdown in England from 5 November, the National Construction College have reviewed latest government guidance and taken advice from the Department for Education to continue to deliver training for the industry, this supports government’s policy of continuing education and training that is required to support the industry.

Our priority will continue to be delegate and staff safety. We will carry on monitoring and reviewing our procedures to ensure that the appropriate level of safety is maintained.

Remote Learning

To support delegates and companies looking to continue their Health and Safety training, we have expanded our range of courses that can be delivered remotely.

These include

• CDM Regs

Site Safety Plus courses

• Health and Safety Awareness
• SSSTS Refresher
• Temporary Works – Coordinator/Supervisor/General Awareness
• SEATS.

To make a booking or for more details you can contact the Course Booking team on 0344 994 4433.

S/NVQ Support

The National Construction College/CITB would like to re-assure our learners working towards their S/NVQ that we are here to support you with your qualification through these challenging times.

Please continue to complete and send in your work-based evidence in the normal way (recorded delivery, if by post) as instructed by your training college instructor or on-site assessor.

For additional support with your qualification progress please e-mail us at: assessment@citb.co.uk.

National Specialist Accredited Centre (NSAC)

The NSAC team are continuing to operate supporting assessors & learners sampling portfolios and providing information advice and guidance to the specialist sectors.

We would ask all new enquiries to email us at enquiry.nsac@citb.co.uk.

Last updated: 5 November 2020

The COVID-19 crisis has required CITB to review the approach for the delivery of S/NVQs and a temporary revision of the Consolidated Assessment Strategy (PDF, 332KB).  Please see our Guidance to Consolidated Assessment Strategy (PDF, 147KB). See also the Consolidated Assessment Strategy version approved for SVQs (PDF, 422KB).

Last updated: 24 November 2020

CITB has continued to follow government advice and working remotely wherever practicable, carrying out face-to-face visits based on a risk assessment of the situation.

Our team will continue to operate remotely, covering applications for centre approval, routine audits for the Site Safety Plus (SSP), Internet Testing Centres (ITC) and Levy and Grant verification. These measures will remain under review and be in place until 2^nd December 2020 and any changes will be based on government guidelines, including any changes to lock down or the Tier 1, 2 & 3 levels recently announced.

Please email any queries to quality.assurance@citb.co.uk

Quality assurance and verification activity

We will continue to do the majority of our work by electronic correspondence and by telephone and video interview, reducing the need for a physical visit. For essential compliance work we will risk assess prior to any intervention.

We have reviewed our quality assurance approach to enable you to continue to offer training and testing.  To do this, we have put in place additional requirements that enable the quality team to video conference onto all classroom based Site Safety Plus courses and set up a secure transfer portal for CCTV for ITC test centres through MS Teams.

The additional requirements have been put in place to enable us to gain an assurance of the delivery of courses and support centres.  These requirements are not optional and need to be met to enable you to keep operating during the pandemic. Further details will be sent out to SSP centres in August.

Compliance Work

We will attempt to collate as much information as we can electronically and some interviews will take place by phone. This will mean that where visits are essential, they can be as short as possible and minimise the risk.

Investigation Team

This will continue to operate as usual, with each case being risk-assessed where investigative activity may bring our staff member into contact with other people. CITB’s compliance teams are committed to continuing their important work of identifying and protecting the construction industry from fraud risks relating to training delivery.

Considering the new advice around social distancing, colleagues have been advised not to attend face-to-face meetings unless necessary, and where practicable should participate over the phone or via video conference instead. We have also asked our teams to review their plans for the weeks ahead and postpone any non-essential travel.

CITB is continually reviewing the situation and will provide further updates as the situation changes.

Last updated: 10 November 2020

Site operating procedures - protecting your workforce during COVID-19

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) guidance is intended to introduce consistent measures on construction sites of all types and sizes in line with the Government’s recommendations on social distancing and ensure employers and individuals make every effort to comply.

Site safety checklists update – face coverings

Following government updates last week on further COVID-19 safety measures, the CLC have released separate guidance on face coverings. Our COVID-19 - Site safety checklists and forms (below) have now been updated to ensure that those who are permitted and able to return to work have a clear understanding of how they can apply the CLC’s COVID-19 guidance in practice.

COVID-19: Site safety checklists and forms (v6)

During the pandemic it is essential that the workforce is protected to minimise the risk of infection on construction sites.

We have worked hard with the CLC and others to produce a comprehensive range of interactive checklists and forms to assist construction employers. The resources will ensure that those who are permitted and able to return to work have a clear understanding of how they can apply the CLC’s COVID-19 Site operating procedures guidance (Version 6, updated 20 October) in practice. Guidance on issues such as close working, cleaning and what employees should do if they become unwell is included. 

Download: All COVID-19 forms (ZIP file, 3.8MB)

CC01: COVID-19 – Site operating procedures compliance checklist

An interactive checklist, designed to be used to ensure compliance with current guidance on protecting your workforce on site during the COVID-19 pandemic. The checklist can be amended with additional comments to ensure it aligns with specific site policies. The checklist will help organisations to establish whether crucial health and safety principles are embedded in their day-to-day operations during the pandemic.

Download: CC01 COVID-19 - Site operating procedures compliance checklist (PDF file, 1MB)

CC02: COVID-19 – Health, safety and environmental risk assessment template

A guide offering example control measures for those required to undertake risk assessment of the workplace and specific activities on site. An interactive risk assessment template is also included in order to facilitate this process.

Download: CC02 COVID-19 - Health safety and environment risk assessment template (PDF file, 2MB)

CC03: COVID-19 – A toolbox talk for construction workers

Designed to be delivered to construction workers by their manager or supervisor. Good communication is essential for health and safety management on construction sites. It is vitally important that contractors, managers and supervisors engage and consult with workers, as it is an effective way of identifying hazards and controlling risks.

Download: CC03: COVID-19 – A toolbox talk for construction workers (PDF file, 214KB)

CC04: COVID-19 – Weekly site operating procedures checklist

An interactive checklist, designed to ensure on-going compliance with both established and additional procedures.

Download: CC04: COVID-19 – Weekly site operating procedures checklist (PDF file, 1MB)

Additional resources

Examination of lifting equipment

The Health and Safety Executive has published guidance on the examination of lifting equipment, and their approach to enforcement on this issue, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We have also released our complete library of 98 interactive checklists and forms from our GE700 Construction Site Safety publication for free download. The comprehensive range of checklists and forms are designed to help with the day-to-day management of construction sites.

Link: GE700 - Checklists and forms

On May 11, the UK Government published Working safely during COVID-19 in construction and other outdoor work, a document to help employers, employees and the self-employed in the UK understand how to work safely during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The guidance emphasises the importance of keeping as many people as possible two metres apart from those they do not live with. You can download the guidance from the Government website.

Last updated: 20 October 2020

Important - COVID-19 UK lockdown

CITB would like to remind Training Providers that it is essential that all COVID-19 advice is followed and that you comply with all health, safety and welfare Government-issued guidelines in order to protect all tutors and delegates.

Site Safety Plus Training Providers, throughout all the devolved Nations, should ensure that they make the decision on whether to delivery classroom-based training in line with the guidance issued by their respective Governments:

• Scotland
• Wales
• England
• Northern Ireland

Please note that all Training Providers still have the option of utilising remote delivery of SSP courses should they wish. If you have not yet had the opportunity to familiarise yourself with this Emergency Provision, please visit the 'Emergency Provision' folder within the SSP Training Provider Portal - this will provide you everything that you need to know.

Please be aware that there has been an important amendment to the following scheme rules with regards to remote delivery;

The maximum number of delegates per course has increased from 10 to 12

During examinations, the maximum number of delegates a tutor may invigilate has increased from 5 to 6.

If you have any concerns or queries, please email: sitesafetyplus@citb.co.uk

Stay safe and stay well.       

The Site Safety Plus Team

Remote training for Site Safety Plus courses

To continue to support industry and maintain a level of health and safety awareness, remote learning delivery of Site Safety Plus courses will continue alongside face to face training until further notice. Please see below for the list of SSP courses available;  

• Director's Role for Health and Safety  
• HSA – Health and Safety Awareness Course
• SEATS – Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme
• SSSTS – Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme
• SMSTS – Site Management Safety Training Scheme
• SSSTS-R –Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme Refresher
• SMSTS-R – Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher
• TSTS - Tunnelling Safety Training Scheme Course
• TWGATC – Temporary Works General Awareness Training Course
• TWSTC – Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course
• TWCTC – Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course.

Remote learning for the above detailed courses is available through many of our Site Safety Plus training centres. The first ever Site Safety Plus remote learning course took place in early April, new courses are being registered every day. Please contact your local SSP training centre for further information.

Site Safety Plus achievement certificates

Whilst we are continuing to issue and dispatch achievement certificates for SSP courses, there may be delays in certificates reaching delegates, and we understand this will have an impact on card applications. We have agreed with CSCS that applications for a Labourer’s card can now be supported with evidence of the HSA achievement from the CITB card-checker or CITB Construction Training Register.

Site Safety Plus certificate expiry

During the COVID-19 crisis, CITB provided a grace period for delegates whose SMSTS/SSSTS achievement had expired after 15 March 2020. The last updated grace period allowed delegates who were unable to access a refresher course before their certificate expired until the 30 November 2020 to join onto a SSSTS / SMSTS refresher, instead of having to sit the full course.

Due to the current uncertainty around local and national lockdowns and the fast approaching shutdown for the Christmas period, we have taken the decision to extend this grace period further to support those delegates who have been unable to access the relevant refresher course.

All delegates now have until 31 January 2021 to join a SSSTS/SMSTS refresher course, if their current certificate expired after the 15 March 2020.

It is important to note that this grace period will not be extended any further, so we would advise that all delegates take this opportunity to attend the appropriate refresher course to avoid the need to attend the full course again.  

Remote delivery – maximum delegate numbers

Since the introduction of the remote delivery 'Emergency Provision' in March, we have received a lot of positive feedback from industry and training providers as it has allowed delegates the opportunity to access the training required in the most appropriate delivery format.

We are currently conducting a review of the remote delivery provision to ensure the scheme rules are appropriate when we move from an emergency provision to a permanent delivery method. As part of this review we have received feedback from industry and training providers to help support how remote delivery should be shaped moving into the future. This review continues and we still anticipate the full launch of remote delivery will happen early in 2021. However, we have decided to implement two amendments to the current emergency provision rules, which can be utilised with immediate effect:

1. The maximum number of delegates per course has increased from 10 to 12
2. During examinations, the maximum number of delegates a tutor may invigilate has increased from 5 to 6.

If you have any questions, please email: sitesafetyplus@citb.co.uk

Last updated: 20 November 2020

Video: An overview of the Skills Stability Plan  

The Skills Stability Plan (PDF, 174KB), Welsh version (PDF, 182KB) sets out how CITB is supporting employers’ skills and training needs as the industry restarts following the impact of COVID-19.

The Plan describes the prioritisation and skills investments in the April 2020-March 2021 financial year. The priorities are to protect apprenticeships and provide direct funding to employers to adopt new ways of working needed in the wake of COVID-19 and retain skills. 

CITB will work with other industry partners to match displaced workers with new opportunities, including through exploring a talent retention scheme. This will build on the support already provided to help apprentices complete their programmes including through up-front grant payments to current year-2 and year-3 apprentices, assistance to match displaced or at-risk apprentices to new employers and developing more alternative options such as Shared Apprenticeship Schemes.

The Plan has also prioritised the Grant Scheme and direct funding for employers through the Skills and Training Funds, with £8m earmarked for small and micro businesses, £3.5m for medium-sized businesses, with a £3m Leadership and Management Fund for large firms. This will help employers train to adapt to the new working environment and update the skills needed by their business to help recover.

Last updated: 30 June 2020

Construction Ambassadors

Ambassadors are an important link between employer and schools, and CITB has supported the Construction Ambassador programme for many years. Having reviewed our offer, we have taken the decision to transfer the service to STEM Learning. Build UK have supported the collaboration that allows our existing Ambassador programme to function on the largest Ambassador platform in the UK. 

We appreciate your ongoing support of the Ambassador programme and need your help. To make this transition a success we need to move the 1400 ambassadors currently registered with CITB to the STEM Learning database.

Information for both current Ambassadors and those looking to sign up can be found on Go Construct . The pages include information on: the benefits of becoming an Ambassador, how to apply and, for current ambassadors, the transfer to STEM, there is also a video available here .

If you would like further details contact your local partnership director or the Ambassador Team ca@citb.co.uk.

Last updated: 29 July 2020 

Go Construct Buildathon

The winner has been announced of the first England & Scotland Buildathon – a competition designed to show children aged 5-12 construction’s appeal.  Well done to Alice Francis. Alice’s winning entry was highly personalised with a tremendous level of imaginative design and fun. Congratulations also to Gabriel Walsh, the first winner of the Buildathon in Wales.

Using resources previously produced, we’re pleased to see future generations developing their interest in the industry through the Minecraft Buildathon competitions. The winner of the second Buildathon round in Wales has been announced. The construction competition continues to draw talent, receiving a number of high quality entries. Congratulations to Zac Allsopp, whose entry was full of imagination. The exceptional detail and level of accuracy throughout also captured the judge’s attention.

For more information and to register your interest, click here.

Last updated: 21 May 2020

Mental health, safety and general wellbeing in construction

On April 28, 2020, to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day, CITB Chief Executive Sarah Beale issued this update on CITB’s work to support the construction industry on mental health; safety; and general wellbeing in construction.    

I hope the following resources and links: a blog on wellbeing, information on new online safety courses, and a short online video outlining our work on mental health are helpful during these challenging times for industry.

Reaching out for help can be very difficult. But talking and sharing problems can help enormously.  If anyone is in immediate crisis I urge you to call the Construction Industry Helpline on 0345 605 1956 or the Samaritans free on 116 123. These services do a great job; they are there to help you.

COVID-19 wellbeing blog

CITB’s Health and Safety Policy Lead, the Reverend Kevin Fear, has written a blog with useful tips on how to manage wellbeing and support your workforce during COVID-19, it can be read here. As Kevin writes, not everyone is comfortable talking about mental health at work, so the Lighthouse Club, a charity dedicated to the wellbeing of construction workers and their families, has created a helpline app which you can download here.

New online safety courses

The first ever Site Safety Plus (SSP) remote learning courses took place earlier this month. I am pleased to announce that more have been added including the option to book the full Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) and Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) courses. Please contact your local SSP training centre or use the SSP course locator tool to find a suitable date and time for your learning.

Our own training standards for Approved Training Organisations have been expanded to include 180 remote learning standards allowing centres to continue deliver training – including a range of site safety and mental health training courses. The full list can be seen here.

Online video on CITB’s mental health work

CITB Wales’ Partnerships Director Mark Bodger has made a brief video outlining the importance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day. Mark speaks about CITB’s work on training mental health first aiders and how people can help each other in these difficult times. You can watch the video here.

Last updated: 28 April 2020

The Offsite Ready Project

The CITB-funded Offsite Ready Project was launched on April 23 - see the digital brochure and information. See also the background details on the investment, announced in June 2019.

Last updated: 23 April 2020

Publications

The CITB Publications telephone line has now been restored: 0344 994 4122.

All CITB major Health Safety & Environment Test publications are available to download in digital format. 

If you have an urgent query please email our dedicated mailbox: publications@citb.co.uk

Last updated: 7 April 2020

Skillbuild

SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the largest and longest running construction skills competition in the UK. The SkillBuild programme integrates into a UK final and on to WorldSkills, the world’s largest international skills competitions.

After consultation with partners, WorldSkills UK have taken the decision not to run the national competition cycle in 2020.  Also the UK final for this year, WorldSkills UK LIVE will be postponed until 18-20th November 2021.

CITB will continue to support WorldSkills throughout 2020 and begin preparations for when the competitions return again for the 2021 cycle.

Please contact SkillBuild@citb.co.uk if you would like any further information.

Last updated: 29 July 2020

Spring Engagements

Following increased concerns over the COVID-19 virus and for safety precautions, regrettably,we have decided to cancel the upcoming Employer Roadshows. We understand this is disappointing news, however the health and safety of our delegates is of utmost importance.

Further details about an online alternative will be issued in due course.

Last updated: 16 March 2020