Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 23 April 2020

Good afternoon,

I hope you’re safe and well and having a good week. Today’s industry summary contains updates on CITB Grants, Skills and Training Fund and Remote Learning. 

I also have news on our Go Construct Buildathon competition and, to begin with, the newly launched Offsite Ready Project.

The Offsite Ready Project

I’m pleased to say the CITB-funded Offsite Ready Project was launched today - see the digital brochure and information. You can also read about the background details on the investment, announced in June 2019.

Grants

On April 6 I announced that CITB would pay grants for second and third year apprentices in advance. Since then just under £3m has been paid to over 1,700 employers, supporting approximately 3,000 apprentices.

Following industry feedback we extended our Advanced Grant support to Higher Level Apprenticeships on April 7. Over £154K has been paid to 42 employers to support 172 apprentices since then.

Skills and Training Fund

Our new Skills and Training Fund for micro, small and medium sized businesses was launched on April 1. To date we have received 137 applications. To apply for funding please click here.

Remote Learning

Earlier this week CITB increased the availability of Remote Learning Standards from 22 to 180. The full list of standards is now online.

Go Construct Buildathon

The Buildathon is in full swing and, I’m pleased to report, has exceeded expectations. The first webinar launch, on April 20, was a huge hit with contestants raring to go. We are fully booked for all regional events with just Buildathon 3 for England/Scotland (June) having limited spots left. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to be a competition judge. I’m looking forward to seeing the shortlisted entries.  Even if you can't get a competition spot you can still download the Minecraft world from the 'Resources' section, via the Go Construct website, and have a go whenever you like!

I hope the remainder of your week is fruitful. Have a good weekend, and I’ll update you on our work next Tuesday. 

CITB’s COVID-19 Urgent Messages page is refreshed daily 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.

Kind wishes

Sarah Beale

Chief Executive