Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 8 April 2020

Good afternoon,

I hope you’re keeping well – today my update focuses on remote learning and a database of local and regional support.  

Remote learning

We see a mixed picture of activity across the regions and nations with many of you not able to work at this time due to the COVID-19 crisis. However, Government guidelines allow even those who are furloughed to still undertake training, and even if it’s not your top priority right now, some time can be used to keep skills up to date with the latest trade developments.

As I mentioned in an earlier update, we’re adapting courses for remote learning to help keep you working, or be ready to return to work as soon as the national situation improves. We’re also keen to provide support and opportunities for training providers, who are obviously facing significant challenges at the moment.

We’re reviewing training that meets CITB’s Assured Standards and have identified 22 that can be delivered through remote learning, or online video links like Teams, Skype, Zoom, WebEx and others.

The full list includes courses such as floor repair, effective snagging and pre-handover checks, and asbestos management. It is available to view here.

Employer support database

We’ve also compiled a database of local and regional advice services that we’ve been using and signposting to employers across England, Scotland and Wales during this crisis. We’ve been asked to make the database more widely available and have uploaded it to the website – it’s available here.

CITB’s COVID-19 updates page is being refreshed daily and includes information on a range of subjects, including Grants, Funding and the NCC. 

You can also read the range of support measures made available to UK businesses and employees by the UK Government.

Kind wishes,

Sarah Beale

Chief Executive