CITB Increases Apprenticeships

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched a new accelerated training programme for construction workers. Its goal – help achieve the government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029. However, what does this programme involve, and how will it influence the construction industry?

The main source: CITB accelerates apprenticeships

What does this programme include?

The programme aims to deliver 1,680 accelerated apprenticeship starts over four years. It has been designed to increase the number of skilled workers in key housing construction trades. It includes bricklaying, carpentry, and roofing.

Initially, five accelerated apprenticeship programmes will be established through further education colleges and training providers. An additional 15 programmes are planned to be launched by mid-2029. They will be located in areas with the highest housing demand, ensuring that training aligns with local labour market needs. This approach is supported by CITB’s new strategic partnerships with regional mayors across England and the implementation of local skills improvement plans. Together, these initiatives form the foundation of an integrated construction skills ecosystem.

How will increasing apprenticeships influence the construction industry in the future?

This initiative introduces a new approach to apprenticeships, allowing trainees to complete their training in just 14–18 months. It`s a significant difference, compared to the traditional two to three years. This is achieved through a flexible model that combines intensive early-stage training with structured block learning after programme completion, alongside on-site work experience. This approach helps accelerate qualification completion, improve the efficiency of the entire system, and place trainees in the best possible position to secure long-term employment within the housing construction sector.

Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, said: “Meeting the scale of the UK’s housing needs requires a fundamental change in how we prepare people for careers in construction. Accelerated apprenticeships are a key part of that shift. It helps more people gain the skills they need more quickly in the areas where they are needed most.”

Fencyx, as one of the leaders among wholesale suppliers in the UK construction industry, supports this initiative. We hope that training a larger number of construction workers will help address the labour shortage in the sector and accelerate construction activity.

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