Latest news with #CITB
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Future bright for house building work, industry leaders say
New construction workers could reap the rewards as tens of thousands of them are needed to meet house building targets, leading industry figures have Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) said 61,000 new workers were needed if the Labour government was to meet its target of building 1.5 million new homes by government said it was investing £600m to create up to 60,000 more engineers, bricklayers, electricians and joiners by 2029 to tackle skills shortages and to help meet that Ramsay, from Thatcham-based Francis Construction, said opportunities for younger people would emerge as the ageing workforce changes. "Since 2015 the average age of the construction worker has increased from 42 to about 50 so over time there's going to be a lot of experience leaving the industry, which has potential upsides," he said."There's an option for innovation and a different way of doing things."He added: "The perception of the industry is that it's quite demanding, long hours, stressful deadlines and, particularly with the younger guys and girls of today, that impact on work-life balance."The reality of the industry is not always like that and that's something that we need to change to show that it's a rewarding industry."Neil Jefferson, the chief executive of the Home Builders Federation, said new jobs would be created in the house building industry."People often just think about brickwork and bricklaying skills and they're important but there are so many skills [needed], particularly in the housebuilding industry which has got more to offer than construction," he added."It's well paid. Sometimes that's overlooked. Also there's a wide range of jobs, particularly for people who want to work on site. You can get the chance to be your own boss. There are reasons to be cheerful." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
14 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Thousands more construction workers needed to meet housing targets
An estimated extra 140,000 construction workers would be needed for each of the next five years to help retrofit all social and private homes under the government's Warm Homes Plan, the BBC has learned. In its manifesto, Labour committed to insulating and upgrading five million homes over the next five years to cut bills for families and slash fuel Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) scenarios also estimate 61,000 new workers each year would be needed to meet the government's target of 1.5 million new homes by government said it was investing £600m to create up to 60,000 more engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and joiners by 2029 to tackle skills shortages and to help deliver its target. CITB chief executive Tim Balcon says the construction industry has "the capabilities to meet current demand" but this "won't happen overnight". Currently, it is really difficult to coordinate training in the industry, he says, because there are "lots of different systems at play", with many subcontractors and training Balcon adds that "everybody wants to do the right thing but they're not aligned".The BBC spent a day on a 575-home development site in Southall, west London, speaking to several of these parties. The apprentice Plumbing apprentice Will Cunningham, 24, was recruited through a local labour scheme in March."I didn't really feel like working in an office or anything like that. Wanted to do something physical... keep physical, keep fit, and it's pretty good money."He adds getting a job in the industry was more difficult than he had expected."I applied for at least 20 companies before I found a job. It took about four months of looking - it was tough."They hire for experience - they get chosen first. So it's hard to start, but once you're chosen it's not too bad." The CITB says the industry needs more "strongly visible" work to encourage employers to invest in training. Its Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts an extra 240,000 construction workers will be needed over the next five years. According to the board, this number would need to increase significantly depending on progress measured against policy CITB's scenarios indicate that, to meet the aspiration of building 1.5 million new homes, an extra 61,000 workers will be needed every year for five years. Similarly, an extra 140,000 workers will be needed every year for five years to retrofit all private and social rental properties to an EPC-C rating, as the government hopes to achieve with its Warm Homes government is set to announce further details in the Warm Homes Plan later this data seen by the BBC shows residential applications for heat pumps has dropped during 2025 after a steady increase since 2021. Ed Griffiths, head of business and client analytics at construction data experts Barbour ABI, said: "Given that the government has set out its ambition to support the growth of the heat pump market to around 600,000 installation per year by 2028, there will obviously need to be a bigger installation drive in all areas combined with a push for more trained installers." The plumbing manager Ian Berney, managing director of RG Taylor Engineering, says they employ five apprentices a year. "It's been difficult to get people in when we haven't been as busy as we normally are." He says developers "are finding it very difficult to get planning across the line", adding: "Consequently, we end up with a backlog of jobs that need to be progressed."I think by the time next year comes around we're going to see a lot of sites not started because of Gateway 2. I think if that could change so we can speed the process up, recruitment will come into it tenfold."Gateway 2, within the UK's Building Safety Act 2022, is a mandatory pre-construction approval stage for higher-risk buildings. In June, the government announced new reforms to the building Safety Regulator to address delays to building new high-rise homes, including a fast track process, changes in leadership, and plans to establish a single building regulator. The developer Mike Keaveny, director of land and development at Grainger, says in the past few years, labour shortages have made it much more expensive to build."Developers and contracts are finding it hard to find basic trades like bricklayers, ground workers, plumbers, scaffolders, so we're having to work our way round that shortage as best we can."Sometimes you have to delay works but we're also pivoting to different types of construction."On the Southall development site, parts of the building are made in a factory offsite, including panels and pre-plumbed bathroom pods, which has helped to keep the project on track. "Building off-site can be more efficient in terms of wastage as well. The industry is pivoting towards that, particularly in high-rise buildings," Mr Keaveny says. Mr Balcon says in order to solve the shortage of construction workers, the industry needs to focus on retention and productivity. "The industry recruits about 200,000 people every year, and it loses 200,000 people every year. If we were to address the retention of skilled workers, that would relieve some pressure on the amount of people we have to bring into the industry. "The other factor is the productivity of the sector. Construction really has lagged behind in terms of its productivity by 1% - that's the equivalent of 33,000 workers."He also highlighted the problems with "word-of-mouth" recruitment, which means "the visibility of those jobs is sometimes quite hard to see".He says a regional approach is needed "to understand where those hotspots are - areas of high demand. In London the demand for construction is huge. You can just look at the skyline to see that." A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: "The energy shocks of recent years have shown the urgent need to upgrade British homes."We are already training 18,000 skilled workers to work on heat pumps, insulation, heat networks and solar panels, while working closely with the construction industry to train many thousands more – resulting in lower bills and warmer homes for millions of families."We will announce further details in the Warm Homes Plan later this year."
South Wales Argus
04-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
New Wales campaign to tackle suicide risk in construction
The initiative is being rolled out across Wales through a partnership between the NHS Wales Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Programme and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It aims to raise awareness of suicide, promote mental health, and signpost workers to available support. Dr Chris O'Connor, NHS Wales' clinical lead in the strategic programme for mental health, said: "Stigma can be a huge barrier to people accessing mental health support. "We hope that by raising awareness of suicide risk and mental health, and signposting support offerings available, we will encourage people working in the construction industry to have important conversations about their wellbeing, support each other, and feel confident in being able to reach out for support." The campaign includes posters, short 'toolbox talks', and suicide awareness training. Julia Stevens, CITB engagement director for Wales, said: "We're proud that this campaign will further build on this momentum to help us create meaningful change." The campaign supports the Welsh Government's new 10-year Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Strategy, which aims to remove stigma and empower people to seek help. Male suicide rates in Wales remain more than three times higher than female rates.
Time Business News
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How to Choose the Right Domestic Scaffolding Company in Manchester
When planning any kind of home renovation, repair, or extension, safety and structural support are essential—especially when working at height. That's where choosing the right scaffolding provider becomes critical. With a wide range of companies out there, finding the perfect partner for Domestic Scaffolding in Manchester can feel overwhelming. But the right decision can streamline your project, ensure safety, and provide peace of mind throughout the process. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for when hiring a scaffolding company for your home project in Manchester—whether it's a roof repair, chimney restoration, or full home renovation. Before contacting scaffolding companies, clearly define what your project requires. Is it a small-scale roof repair or a major multi-storey extension? The size, complexity, and duration of your project all influence the type of scaffolding you need. Some domestic jobs require basic access towers, while others call for custom-built platforms. A professional scaffolding partner will assess your home's structure, access limitations, and environmental factors before suggesting a suitable solution. In domestic settings, especially where families and neighbors are nearby, safety is absolutely critical. A trusted company for Domestic Scaffolding in Manchester will operate under strict health and safety regulations. Look for companies that: Are CHAS or CITB accredited Follow Work at Height regulations Offer detailed risk assessments Use PPE and fall prevention systems Conduct regular on-site safety checks A good scaffolding provider should treat your home with the same care as a commercial property—after all, lives depend on it. Manchester's neighborhoods are a mix of old terraces, new-build estates, and Victorian homes. That diversity means one-size-fits-all scaffolding won't cut it. Choose a provider with local experience—one who understands building styles in your area and is familiar with Manchester's building codes and permit requirements. This knowledge speeds up installation and avoids legal headaches. Cost is important, but beware of overly cheap quotes. Some companies may cut corners on materials or safety measures, which can end up costing more in the long run. Ask each scaffolding provider for an itemized quote. A reliable company offering Domestic Scaffolding in Manchester will be upfront about: Daily or weekly hire rates Erection and dismantling charges Site inspection fees Transport costs Extra charges for delays or changes Avoid surprises by ensuring all terms are clearly explained before signing a contract. The best domestic scaffolding companies don't just drop off the frames and leave. They offer a full range of services including: Free site surveys Custom design for unique structures Flexible hire durations Regular maintenance visits Emergency response and repairs If your project changes or extends, a versatile company can adjust quickly, saving you time and hassle. High-quality scaffolding isn't just about appearance—it's about structural safety. You want equipment that is clean, rust-free, and well-maintained. Ask these questions: How often is the equipment inspected and replaced? Is the scaffolding galvanised and weather-resistant? Can they provide visual proof of equipment quality? A company offering Domestic Scaffolding in Manchester with a strong focus on quality will happily show you their inventory and maintenance logs. While experience and equipment matter, how a company treats its customers is just as important. You'll likely be interacting with scaffolders and project managers throughout your home improvement process—so they should be courteous, communicative, and reliable. Indicators of excellent customer service include: Quick response times Willingness to explain processes clearly Regular progress updates Respect for your property and neighbors Clean site conditions post-dismantling A good domestic scaffolding company prioritizes minimal disruption and maximum satisfaction. Word travels fast in local communities. Before signing with any company, check reviews on Google, Facebook, or industry directories. Speak to neighbors or friends who have used scaffolding services recently. Positive testimonials, especially those mentioning timely delivery, safety, and professionalism, are strong green flags. If the same company name keeps coming up with praise, they're worth shortlisting. Choosing a scaffolding partner for your home renovation or repair doesn't have to be complicated—but it must be careful. The right choice ensures safety, efficiency, and a smooth workflow from start to finish. Look beyond price and consider local experience, safety credentials, equipment quality, and overall customer service. When it comes to Domestic Scaffolding in Manchester, don't settle for average—choose a team that respects your time, your home, and your goals. For many homeowners, Fisher Scaffolding has proven to be a trusted name, offering safe, reliable, and tailor-made solutions for a variety of domestic projects. Take the time to choose wisely, and you'll thank yourself later with a project that's supported from the ground up—both literally and professionally. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Construction firms won't let me work because I'm a girl'
A stonemasonry student said companies had told her she could not join the profession "because she's a girl". Alice, who is 17, was one of the students who took part in a competition for apprentices at Moulton College in Northampton on Thursday. Industry experts have said 19,750 extra construction workers are needed in the East of England by 2028 to meet government housebuilding targets. However, some students, like Alice, said they still faced barriers which made it difficult to pursue a career in construction. The SkillBuild competition, organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), tested apprentices and trainees in a variety of tasks, from furniture making to tiling. Alice, from Weston Favell in Northamptonshire, inherited her interest in architecture from her grandfather and wanted to work on some of the UK's greatest stone buildings - cathedrals. But she said her journey had not been easy. "I've tried to contact some companies to get onto that kind of work, but it hasn't really worked out," she told the BBC. "The main thing is that I'm a woman and a lot of companies have told me 'you can't do this because you're a girl - you're not strong enough, you won't be able to do the heavy labour'." Another competitor, Maizie from Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk, wanted to encourage more women to join the industry. The 17-year-old goes to college in Colchester and said: "In my class it's actually a pretty good mix, but in the industry as a whole, it's definitely a big imbalance. "People need to realise the value of these industries, and we need to push more young people to go into it. It can be a bit inaccessible at the beginning, especially for young people, since working in these workshop environments can be quite dangerous." The first obstacle in the competition for Rugby man Sean, 18, was having to "scavenge" for the right tools to make a porch roof, having brought the wrong ones. The bigger issue for him, generally, was the lack of opportunities for young people. He said: "There's not enough apprenticeships - it took me two years to get here, and I feel like that's one of the biggest problems. "The amount of houses they're trying to build; they definitely need more apprenticeships." A CITB report published this month said 19,750 new workers were needed in the region. Robert Smith, from the CITB, said "we really need to make that attractive so that they know there are jobs for the future, secure opportunities and great career pathways". The figures suggest there is a long way to go before there is a gender balance in the industry. According to The Office for National Statistics, women comprise just 15.8% of the construction workforce and only 2% of workers onsite. There is some hope, though, with the number of women as a proportion of the overall construction workforce increasing by 36.9% since 2012. The government said construction would be one area to benefit from a "record-breaking £3bn apprenticeship budget". Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'I went from studying fine art to tiling floors' Trainee brickie urges more women to consider trade Calls for gender balance in construction industry Moulton College Construction Industry Training Board
