As 2020 looms closer I have been thinking that surely this is going to be a year exploited by the nation’s opticians. So far I have been disappointed.
Imagine my glee, then, to see this headline from the CITB: “Vision 2020 – The Future CITB moves forward”.
I love a good marketing slogan. I leave it to your judgement whether this is one such.
The CITB seems determined to set out its stall to say change is afoot (it certainly is from a training provider’s perspective).
For anyone who has been snoozing, the CITB mantra is that 2020 will deliver a “leaner, more agile, training body that delivers the skills needed by construction firms and the British economy”.
According to Diana Garnham, an Independent CITB Board Member: “[CITB’s] change programme has been planned to meet the expectations of both the construction industry and government, who have been clear that the status quo is not an option. Their feedback gave a very clear message that industry and government support depends on CITB’s continuation of change. We are staying on track with our commitment to industry.”
From a training provider’s perspective, CITB’s effort to change seems tangible enough. Gradually the organisation is moving away from being the provider of training towards being a training and skills steering body for the construction industry.
From next month (April) CITB will introduce its new Training Directory and ATO status for training providers. ATO stands for Approved Training Organisation. These ATOs will have much closer links to the CITB and will even be able to draw down grant money to be paid to eligible contractors.
CITB says the new grant scheme is about “enabling firms to receive automated grant payments, axing red tape and ensuring much needed training grants reach SMEs and micro firms in particular”.
It had looked as if the CITB HQ at Bircham Newton would be sold off straight away. Now it has been decided to retain the site until December next year. This will allow CITB to work closely with local stakeholders to shape the future of the site with interested parties who would like to take over its role. Having the HQ in Bircham Newton longer will support a more rapid sale of the college, too, and will help ensure learners are not disadvantaged during the changeover.
The relocation of CITB is intended to create ‘One CITB’ with an invigorated business culture.
Legislation states that contracting businesses working in the construction industry should be registered with CITB.
Depending on turnover, you can be a registered firm without paying a levy and still be entitled to training grants.
Once registered, you can liaise with your CITB Company Representative who will flag up opportunities for you.
Or you can find out about grants and have your say about the stone industry’s training needs through the Natural Stone Industry Training Group, which is part funded by CITB and reports back to CITB.
If you are not CITB registered yet and want to check out eligibility and requirements, go to: www.citb.co.uk/levy/registering-your-business.
One benefit of the change for trainees is that they, rather than their employer, will keep their qualification record. This has long been a bone of contention as operatives have sometimes found their certificates are not released when they leave a company.