Covid-19: CITB chief exec update - 25 November 2020

Good afternoon,

Today’s email contains details on the opportunities available to help shape various Standards; an update on the sale of one of our colleges; news from the Government’s Spending Review; and finally, a reminder of our virtual meetings offer.

Industry engagement on Standards

Short Duration Training Standards – Basic Fire Safety – Post-Grenfell

We would really value your input on the proposed content and implementation approach for a new Training Standard on basic fire safety. CITB is currently working as part of the Competence Steering Group, designed to tackle the shortcomings identified in the Hackitt Review after the Grenfell fire.

The consultation on Basic Fire Safety runs from 23 November – 11 December. Please share your views here.

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

An important element in our work involves ensuring training qualifications are fit for purpose and produce the skills employers need. In order to do this, it’s essential that we gather your views on the current content of the Standards and they reflect the modern skills and knowledge needed to perform in your trade.

The current Standards to be reviewed are:

• Construction Contracting Operations

This is currently a Level 3 NVQ & SCQF Level 6, which is split into 7 pathways of Estimating, Buying, Planning, Surveying, Site Technical Support, Design Co-ordinator and General

• Construction Contracting Operations Manager

This is currently a Level 6 NVQ & SCQF Level 9, which is split into 5 pathways of Estimating, Buying, Planning, Quantity Surveying and General

Participation in the review process is all conducted online via virtual meetings and email. If you are interested in the NOS development or know someone who could be, please email nos.consultation@citb.co.uk.  

NCC Midlands divestment

I’m pleased to share news of the agreed sale of the National Construction College Midlands to experienced construction skills providers, Walsall College. The sale of this business has secured employment for all 17 CITB colleagues impacted, seeing them transferred over as employees of Walsall College, and ensuring continuity for our customers.

Government’s Spending Review

The Chancellor published the Government’s Spending Review today for the next year (2021-22), accompanied by the publication of the National Infrastructure Strategy. Additionally, to further assist economic recovery, a new £4bn Levelling Up Fund was revealed to support local infrastructure that has a ‘visible impact’ on people and their communities.

We’re really pleased to see the Chancellor’s commitment to a large increase in infrastructure spending next year. This increase, along with the publication of the National Infrastructure Strategy, instils greater confidence in the future work pipeline for the construction industry. It is now critical that the right skills and training interventions are put in place to help people benefit as a result of this investment. Full details on the Spending Review and new National Infrastructure Strategy can be found on HM Treasury’s website.

A reminder… 

We will now be offering individual conversations virtually for any employers who would like a meeting with their local CITB Advisor. Bookings can be made through our Local Events page. Our group sessions will also continue, following their initial success.

CITB’s COVID-19 Urgent Messages page is refreshed regularly and includes updates on the full range of our work. You can also read the range of support measures made available to UK businesses and employees by the UK Government.  

Best wishes and stay safe everyone,

Sarah Beale 
Chief Executive