CITB Supports Nearly 9,000 Construction Firms with Apprenticeship Grants

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced significant support for the construction sector during National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16 February 2025). From April to December 2024, CITB has provided over £50 million in apprenticeship grants, benefiting more than 24,000 learners and nearly 9,000 employers.

Close to 8,000 of these employers are micro and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, highlighting CITB's commitment to supporting firms of all sizes. The New Entrant Support Team (NEST) has played a crucial role, more than doubling the number of new apprenticeships compared to the previous period, with over 3,500 new starts.

CITB's National Construction College (NCC) is on track to improve its apprenticeship achievement rate for the fourth consecutive year, aiming to reach a 70% success rate by the end of the financial year. This rate is 16% above the national average, with 92% of NCC graduates remaining in the industry.

Deb Madden, Executive Director for Nations Engagement at CITB, emphasised the rewarding nature of construction careers, noting the average UK construction worker's salary of over £44,000. Madden encouraged those interested in apprenticeships or hiring apprentices to contact CITB for support.

The theme of this year's National Apprenticeship Week, "Skills for Life," underscores the importance of lifelong learning and career development in the construction industry, which offers over 180 different occupations and more than 100 apprenticeship roles.

If you’re interesting in starting a construction apprenticeship or hiring an apprentice, email newentrant.team@citb.co.uk or visit https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/contact-citb/#apprentice.