A £22m boost for on-site construction training was officially launched on Monday 18th August 2018 in the latest attempt to ease the industry’s skills shortages.
The Construction Skills Fund was first unveiled during Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Spring Statement in March. The £22m injection will help fund 20 “skills villages” where training hubs are set-up alongside live construction sites. The 18-month scheme is funded by the Department for Education and will be administered by the Construction Industry Training Board.
Specialist training provider Construction Skills Villages has been pioneering the on-site model working with contractors and developers.
Managing director Graham Ratcliffe said: “It is great seeing funds being made available to support on-site training through hubs similar to the Construction Skills Villages in Scarborough and Barnsley. We hope to secure funds to expand our unique and successful model in turn helping support the construction industry overcome a skills gap.”
Skills Minister Anne Milton said: “On-site training will be hugely beneficial for employers and trainees, as it will help bridge the gap between training and working in the industry, meaning trainees are site-ready sooner.”
CITB is now calling on employers, housing associations and other interested bodies such as LEPs and local authorities to submit expressions of interest. These can be from both existing and prospective on-site learning hubs.
Steve Radley, Policy Director at CITB, said: “Having training on or near to major projects will reveal what an exciting sector this can be, while also putting new talent in the shop window. We want all interested organisations to submit Expressions of Interest that are innovative, collaborative and with training at their heart. We will support applicants through the process and provide expert guidance to apply to the fund.”
The successful bids will be awarded in the autumn. The Construction Skills Village keep everyone updated on any developments!
To get in touch contact info@skills-village.co.uk or visit skills-village.co.uk