The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Employer Networks initiative, located in the UK, enabled over 50,000 individuals to access construction training during the financial year 2024–25. This marks a significant increase compared to the previous year. More than 4,000 businesses took part, many of which were small or micro-sized enterprises. Notably, 26% of these had never previously applied for funding.

The model empowers local employers to define their own training needs, allowing for a more agile and regionally tailored allocation of resources. This decentralised approach enhances access to training opportunities. It also strengthens collaboration between employers and training providers, fostering a more responsive skills ecosystem.

In the UK, over 250,000 skilled construction workers will be needed by 2028, according to CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report. Currently, 31% of employers struggle to find suitably trained staff due to older workers retiring and not being replaced. CITB is committed to inclusive and practical strategies to address this challenge. The Employer Networks stand out as an effective response to the sector’s evolving workforce demands.