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
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