With more than three-quarters of construction employers considering recruiting an apprentice, CITB’s New Entrant Support Team can support them every step of the way
“A strong apprenticeship pipeline is vital for SME employers and a healthy construction industry.”
Those are the words of Tim Balcon, chief executive of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), who also notes that two-thirds of apprenticeship starts in the construction industry are employed by companies of fewer than 50 employees.
While 79% of construction employers are considering the apprenticeship route, some may find it challenging to recruit an apprentice or are just unsure about the process.
CITB supports employers in recruiting and retaining construction apprentices
To support them, CITB created its New Entrant Support Team, with local advisers available to help employers find, recruit and retain apprentices – providing guidance every step of the way. This hands-on, free support can cover recruitment, paperwork, accessing grants and funding, and ongoing mentoring throughout the apprenticeship.
Leanne Land, CITB head of New Entrant Support, said: “We provide support to employers around all things recruitment – support with advertising vacancies, sourcing applicants, securing funding, training provision and more.
“We also support employers to retain their apprentices through to successful achievement by providing ongoing check-ins from advisers supporting everything from induction, mentoring, additional support needs, endpoint assessment and much more.”
The New Entrant Support Team now assist employers and managers in becoming coaches and mentors through the Mentoring Standard. This helps to develop communication skills such as how to provide constructive feedback and the ability to support the wellbeing of apprentices.
Leanne added: “Our Mentoring Standard has been a huge success and so far over 500 delegates have undergone the mentoring training. This provides employers with understanding of the apprenticeship standard, end point assessment and the crucial role the mentor plays.”
What employers say:
Shingler Construction: “Amanda from NEST helped us to update all our existing apprentices with the CITB Grants department and offer advice and support on our apprentices starting their course in September 2024. Positive impact on our recruitment and training budget and our ability to further increase our apprenticeship programme.”
Joe Ainsely Bricklaying: “I wasn’t aware that there were so many grants available and the amount of support there is out there until I talked with Kev from NEST. Thank you for your time and advice.”
Steve’s Floors: “I met Allison from NEST at an employer event at the college, I knew nothing about CITB or the benefits it could be to my business. I am not good with computers, but she said she would help me with all of that and she has. Now I am getting grant for having my apprentice which is a big help towards his wage.”
Leamac Joinery: “I really appreciate your help. I would have been lost without you doing this for me. I have had an apprentice in the past and got nothing as I didn’t know how to claim.”
Entire Scaffolding: “Since initially enquiring a few things with CITB in February 2024, Theo from NEST has supported with my CITB registration, helped submit the apprentice attendance grant, created my CITB online portal and kept me up-to-date with all processes concerning me.”
LC Lucas Construction: “This has allowed us to take on our new apprentice without having the impact of having to pay for the apprenticeship. It has meant we are now considering employing another one. Allison from NEST was a great support to us in among a minefield of information, I didn’t know where to start but she walked me through everything and ‘kept me right’ every step of the way. That simplified the process for me for which I am very grateful.”
Webinars
Join us to learn more about the support we offer and how we can help with your apprenticeship or new entrant needs. Each session includes a Q&A at the end.
Webinars will take place on the following dates:
- 27 February 2025.
- 25 March 2025.
Book your place on the NEST Eventbrite page.
Or contact the New Entrant Support Team on 0300 4566431 or newentrant.team@citb.co.uk
*Please note: This is a commercial profile
