The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) will consult on the 2026-29 training levy costs, engaging industry stakeholders.
- The consultation will restart consensus engagement in September focused on how to fund and deliver training.
- Exemptions and reductions in training levies will be evaluated for relevance and appropriateness during the consultation.
- Feedback will be collected via an online portal and reviewed by industry representatives, affecting government proposals.
- This initiative aims to address the UK’s construction skills shortage, with over 250,000 additional workers needed by 2028.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced a new consultation initiative aimed at addressing the training levy costs for the upcoming period of 2026-29. This strategic move will involve collaboration with contractors and various construction businesses to fine-tune the financial framework for training in the sector. With the consultation set to resume in September, stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage in shaping the new levy proposals.
Central to the consultation will be discussions on how training is funded and delivered, particularly for apprenticeships. The CITB is keen to ensure that the exemptions and reductions currently in place remain relevant and serve the industry’s needs appropriately. This analysis is expected to lead to a redefined approach in the levy system, aligning it more closely with the evolving requirements of the industry.
A significant part of this process will involve gathering feedback from all employers, facilitated through an online portal named Citizen Space. This platform will allow participants to express their views comprehensively. The feedback collected will be evaluated by a panel of independent industry representatives and external specialists, who will then submit their recommendations to the government. Such a collaborative approach is designed to ensure that the levy system is guided by informed and representative insights from the sector.
The CITB has emphasised that the outcome of this consultation is crucial for tackling the acute shortage of skilled workers in the UK construction sector. According to the CITB’s industry outlook, published in May, there is a pressing demand for over 250,000 additional workers by the year 2028 to meet the anticipated growth in the industry. Therefore, reaching a consensus on the levy is not only strategic but essential in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills.
CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon highlighted the importance of the industry’s agreement on the levy, stating, “Reaching industry agreement on the levy through consensus is critical for British construction. CITB can only provide the skills system that the industry desperately needs with their input and support, so it’s important that we hear from employers and prescribed organisations to help shape our proposals.” Balcon also noted the government’s commitment to supporting industry growth, underscoring the necessity for a skilled and trained workforce.
This consultation comes at a challenging time for the CITB, which has faced scrutiny regarding its efficacy. An Ofsted report previously indicated the need for improvements, although a recent interim inspection recognised significant progress. Additionally, an ongoing review led by Mark Farmer is exploring the necessity and efficiency of CITB and related organisations, though this has been delayed due to recent political changes.
The CITB’s consultation is a pivotal step toward ensuring the construction industry is equipped with a skilled workforce for future growth.
