The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is preparing to engage with industry stakeholders on levy proposals for 2026-29.
- CITB’s legal requirement necessitates seeking industry consensus every three years.
- The consultation will focus on keeping levy exemptions and reductions relevant and effective.
- Webinars will be organised to gather feedback from employers to shape the proposal strategies.
- This engagement aims to ensure the industry has the skills needed for future growth opportunities.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is poised to engage with the construction sector to gather feedback on levy proposals for the 2026-29 period. This engagement, starting in September 2024, is crucial as it aims to secure industry-wide consensus on contributions necessary for funding training initiatives vital for the sector’s development.
By law, CITB must seek industry consensus on its levy proposals every three years. This process offers critics a platform to voice concerns while ensuring the board aligns with industry expectations. The upcoming consultation will primarily focus on maintaining exemptions and reductions that are “current and appropriate,” reflecting the evolving needs of the industry.
Throughout the autumn, the CITB will facilitate webinars designed to inform employers of the proposals and gather their insights. The comprehensive feedback collection will feed into deliberations by the levy strategy committee. This independent body, comprising industry and external experts, will refine the proposals before they are submitted to the government.
Chief Executive Tim Balcon emphasised the importance of reaching an agreement, stating, “Reaching industry agreement on the levy through consensus is critical for British construction.” He noted that the input from employers is essential for developing a skilled workforce, especially as the industry prepares for anticipated growth spurred by a government keen on revitalising infrastructure development.
The assessment of consensus will involve sampling rather than a comprehensive survey of all levy contributors, yet it aims to ensure a representative and reliable overview. All employers, however, are encouraged to participate in the consultation starting mid-September 2024, offering them an avenue to influence the future of industry training.
The CITB’s consultation aims to align industry training levies with the sector’s future needs through collaborative engagement.
