The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has released the year-end figures for its Employer Networks initiative, showing that it has helped over 50,000 learners access construction training in the past year.

What was the second full year of operation for the initiative shows that the Networks supported 50,966 learners in the financial year (FY) 2024-25, an increase from 11,468 the previous, inaugural year.

The figures also reveal that in FY 2024-25, Employer Networks supported:

  • 4,097 employers – an increase from 1,284 the previous year
  • 2,655 of the employers supported are small and micro (SMEs)
  • 26% of the employers supported had not claimed grant in the past 12 months

Employer Networks are an initiative set up and funded by CITB that offer bespoke, easy-to-access training and financial support for employers. This gives them a direct channel to communicate their training needs and advise on how funding should be prioritised and allocated in their local area. Additionally, they enable CITB to be more responsive to industry needs on both regional and national levels.

There is huge demand for skilled construction workers in the UK, with CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasting the need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028.

For almost a third (31%) of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly with more older workers retiring and not being replaced. By encouraging greater dialogue with employers and removing barriers to engagement with training, the Employer Networks aims to help address the skills gap and build a stronger future for the industry.

Deb Madden, Executive Director for Nations Engagement at the CITB, said: “It’s vital we have a firm grasp of what skills are required and where they’re needed across the country. Employer Networks are designed to make the training and skills system easier to navigate for employers, in turn helping to address the skills gap.

“Our latest Employer Networks figures prove the initiative has been hugely successful, and we look forward to building on this success and continue providing much-needed access to training for more employers and learners.

“There is an increasing demand for construction work in the UK, and construction employers are clearly aware of the opportunity and the need for training, with 80% of employers indicating they plan to increase their training efforts in the future. We’re always striving to improve our services and embed a culture of quality into what we do – Employer Networks are a prime example of this.”