Rapid response by construction industry to Carillion collapse

Nearly six months on, CITB’s efforts to help Carillion apprentices find new work are unwavering. CITB is constantly in touch with learners and working with employers, colleges and training providers, to create new job opportunities.

In the wake of the company’s collapse, CITB contacted every Carillion apprentice to offer support. To date, CITB has successfully helped 775 of the 1,148 ex-Carillion apprentices into new employment.

"This has hopefully given me another chance"

Joe Stonehouse was studying for his Level 2 General Construction Operations (GCO) qualification when he was affected by Carillion’s closure. Joe’s CITB Apprentice Officer found a company that would be happy to support him to the end of his qualification.

Joe explained: “If it wasn’t for CITB stepping in to help I wouldn’t have anything, or know where to go or what to do in terms of my career. This has hopefully given me another chance to finish off my qualification with a new employer, which I am very happy about.”

Andrew Pearson, a former Carillion apprentice, said: “CITB have been really helpful getting from being out of work to having a job that I love.

"We are committed to doing everything possible to help"

It has been great to have someone to go to if I need any help, and it has been made clear to me that if ever I have a problem all I have to do is ring my Apprenticeship Officer.”

Carla Prickett, Area Delivery Manager at CITB, said: “I’m proud that we have been able to provide support and guidance to so many ex-Carillion apprentices. Carillion’s collapse resulted in a very worrying time for the company’s apprentices, but we are committed to doing everything possible to help find new employers and get their careers back on track.”

CITB has also worked with DWP and construction employers to help a range of former Carillion workers back into employment. CITB Levy Payers Wates and Wilmott Dixon played a critical role in this response.

Marc Booth, Operational Procurement Lead at Wates, said: “The start of 2018 brought Carillion into liquidation and my career came to an abrupt end.

“After my first interview with Wates I no longer wanted any of the other roles I had applied for. I was interviewed with affability and sympathy, but never felt that my position with Carillion affected me for better or for worse, it was a fair chance at a great role.”

James, former Senior Manager at Carillion, said: “I had 36-and-a-half years’ service with Carillion.  My son also worked for Carillion so, as a family, this news was a very severe blow.

“I am so pleased to say that in our local area, 3 other long-serving Carillion colleagues have been provided immediate opportunities with Willmott Dixon and all are very excited by the manner in which the transfer and integration has taken place.”

Ongoing support for apprentices and employers

If you are a Carillion apprentice and have been affected by its closure, please contact carillion.apprenticeshipsupport@citb.co.uk or call 0344 994 4010 for the latest information and guidance.

CITB is also working with the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) to support workers in full-time employment. If you are a worker who has lost your job with Carillion, or you're at risk of redundancy because of the closure, see the following pages for information on available support: government support and benefits and jobs available with other employers.