COVID-19 - Urgent messages and industry updates

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

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

Apprentice reviews and engagement

In line with the ongoing lockdown restrictions across the UK, CITB Apprenticeships staff will continue to work from home.   Apprentice reviews and engagement with your apprentices and colleagues will continue to 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.

An Apprenticeship Officer will be in touch and in the meantime we ask all CITB Apprentices to follow NHS and UK/Devolved Government guidance

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

CITB urges all employers not to dismiss any apprentices without first speaking to our Apprenticeship team.

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.

Covid response strategy - Delivery of blended learning

CITB has a duty of care to provide the best quality education it reasonably can under these conditions. CITB believes that a blended approach for learning is necessary to deliver high-quality lessons. However, in offering such provision we take very seriously the need to maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and risk management. Therefore, in order to provide an effective and safe learning environment:

1. CITB managers will establish the current position of colleges within their area remit in regard to delivering remote learning
2. CITB will ensure that all learning sessions lessons are carried out during the normal timetable
3. CITB managers will agree a methodology of establishing remote learning attendance with their colleges
4. We  will use progress reviews to establish any gaps in skills and knowledge and:
   • Use this assessment to inform risk management
   • Share this information with delivery partners
   • Prioritise contact with vulnerable learners
5. We will ensure that learners are able to participate in remote learning sessions and will:
   • Ensure learners understand how to access sessions easily
   • Discuss any impact of digital poverty on participation
   • Ensure learners are prepared to participate in sessions
   • Ensure learners have any support needs facilitated to enable participation
6. CITB will conduct learner surveys and reviews to evaluate remote learning
7. CITB’s Quality Team will provide interim evaluation reports on the quality of learning
8. If a parent or employer has concerns about any aspect of remote learning they can contact the learner’s Apprentice Officer directly to discuss this.

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.

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.

NCC Apprenticeship support

The National Construction College/CITB would like to re-assure our learners working towards their Apprenticeship qualifications that we are here to support you 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.

We are moving toward a more a more focused approach on blended learning during this time and there will be a higher degree of remote learning. We are already delivering Essential Skills delivery remotely and are now about to pilot a two week  remote induction for new starters. Your training teams are now in the process of working toward the delivery of other areas of the curriculum remotely and through other blended learning opportunities. They will be in contact with you in due course about this. If you do have any questions however in the meantime please do contact us at: College.office@citb.co.uk

Last updated: 14 January 2021

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, funded by Government, designed to secure and retain essential talent in the UK construction sector

The online portal allows skilled individuals to showcase their experience and expertise and helps businesses across the industry find the skilled workers they need.

The scheme is led by the Construction Leadership council (CLC) and is backed by business organisations, construction unions and professional institutions, including CITB.

More than 700 employers have signed up to use the scheme already. These companies, drawn from across Britain, range from multinational engineering giants to micro businesses. While almost half of all live vacancies are posted by regional SMEs, some of the bigger companies with vacancies listed include Barhale, Kier, Aecom, Balfour Beatty, ISG and Travis Perkins.

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.

Register here

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

For those looking to show their support for the Construction TRS, a dedicated communications toolkit has been developed showcasing a range of information and support. The communications toolkit will be regularly added to, refreshed and updated, so make should you revisit regularly for the latest information.

Individuals looking for job opportunities

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?

Register here 

Last updated: 6 January 2021

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.

This is a temporary reduced service and will be regularly reviewed in line with government advice. We will provide an update as soon as we have a clear date for service to return to normal.

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

Thank you for your patience.

ATO course delivery

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

How to find remote training

• 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 December changes must be completed by 5 February 2021:
    Standards in development to full standards, December 2020 (PDF, 155KB)
  • De-activated standards, December 2020 (PDF, 109KB)

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: 8 January 2021

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. 

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. 

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: 12 January 2021

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.

This is a temporary reduced service and will be regularly reviewed in line with government advice. We will provide an update as soon as we have a clear date for service to return to normal.

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

Thank you for your patience.

Grant Online

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: 8 January 2021

Important - COVID-19 guidance

Test Centres

Scotland

 The Health, Safety and Environmental testing operations will be suspended in Pearson Professional Centres from 18 January 2021.  ITCs should ensure that they make the decision on whether to deliver testing in line with the guidance issued. 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.

Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.

Wales

The Welsh Government have agreed with CITB to re-establishing the Health, Safety and Environment testing operations. All Pearson Professional Centres in Wales will be operational from 18 January 2021, 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 should ensure that they make the decision on whether to deliver testing in line with the guidance issued. 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.

Further information can be found on the Welsh Government website.

England

The Health, Safety and Environment testing is operational in England, all Pearson Professional Centres are operational, 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 should ensure that they make the decision on whether to deliver testing in line with the guidance issued. 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.

Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Impact of card renewals

We understand the availability of testing may have an impact on card applications and renewals. We have been liaising with card scheme providers to agree supporting measures whilst testing capacity is reduced. 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. 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: 15 January 2021

Levy customer service telephone lines

Due to ongoing challenges outside of our control surrounding COVID-19, we have had to temporarily limit our customer service lines for Levy. The Levy telephone lines will only be available for Levy payments.

This is a temporary reduced service and will be regularly reviewed in line with government advice. We will provide an update as soon as we have a clear date for service to return to normal.

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

Thank you for your patience.

Levy collection and payment

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CITB explored with government ways to support employers with Levy assessment payments, recognising the cash-flow challenges that industry faces. By law, we must collect the Levy, but we developed a solution to reduced payments for all Levy payers and offered an extended 'payment holiday'.

We asked for no Levy payments until September 2020, and then employers had the choice to pay up-front or over a 12 month period to August 2021.

This year's Levy assessments 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. You will receive this assessment in August 2021.

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

Levy collection will then return to the 'normal' period from May 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.

Last updated: 8 January 2021

Following the announcement from the Government and supporting guidance in England and the announcement by the first Minister for Scotland on 4 January 2021 regarding the lockdown, the National Construction College have reviewed latest government guidance and are to cease delivering face to face training until 22 February 2021. The move will see the college move to a more focused approach on blended learning with a higher degree of remote delivery during this time where we are able to do this. The college will continue to progress elements of the learner programme delivery during this time such as monitoring and approval of portfolios and supporting learners to progress towards their qualifications. In this way it supports government’s policy of continuing education and training that is required to support learners and 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.

Apprenticeship support

The National Construction College/CITB would like to re-assure our learners working towards their Apprenticeship qualifications that we are here to support you 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.

We are moving toward a more a more focused approach on blended learning during this time and there will be a higher degree of remote learning. We are already delivering Essential Skills delivery remotely and are now about to pilot a two week  remote induction for new starters. Your training teams are now in the process of working toward the delivery of other areas of the curriculum remotely and through other blended learning opportunities. They will be in contact with you in due course about this. If you do have any questions however in the meantime please do contact us at: College.office@citb.co.uk

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 Regulations

Site Safety Plus courses

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

Plant courses

• Safe Working Practices.
• Managing and Coordinating Plant: 2 day refresher,
• Managing and Coordinating Plant:5 day full course.
• Management of lifting Operations.

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.

Assessment and Verification (A&V)

The A&V team will be continuing to complete the assessment of apprentices remotely. Apprentice employers should contact their Apprentices’ Assessor to see how they can assist in their apprentices progression.

Last updated: 7 January 2021

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

Should the situation change following further clarification from any of the devolved governments this will be communicated in future updates.

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.

Site Safety Plus certificate expiry

Following a review of the CITB communication on 06 January 2020, regarding the grace period for SMSTS/SSSTS certificate expiry, CITB can confirm an amendment to the threshold date of certificate expiry, as detailed below;

All delegates have until 30 April 2021 to join a SSSTS/SMSTS refresher course, if their current certificate expired after 1 October 2020.

Any delegate whose certificate expired before 1 October 2020, and does not attend a refresher course before 31 January 2021, will be required to join a full SSSTS/SMSTS course, rather than the refresher equivalent.  

CITB will continue to review the situation on a regular basis and will communicate any further updates if Government advice changes.

We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your understanding and continued support at this difficult time.

If you require any support with delivering courses remotely or have any concerns/queries, please email: sitesafetyplus@citb.co.uk

Stay safe and stay well.       

The Site Safety Plus Team

Last updated: 13 January 2021

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

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Skills Stability Plan

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

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