THE Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is to reduce staff numbers by 30% by the end of 2018.
The cuts were confirmed in a ststement which said the CITB’s board has approved the organisation’s priorities for the next three years.
CITB said the business plan is designed to make it “more responsive to industry needs, return maximum Levy value to construction employers, and make the organisation more modern, cost-efficient and able to help thousands more firms invest in training each year”.
CITB’s priorities include;
• Developing a comprehensive evidence base on current and future skill needs and supply
• Using this evidence to target training provision to meet these needs
• Reforming its grants scheme to deliver simpler, more targeted funding support
• Supporting employers to attract and retain people by setting out opportunities, entry routes and progression routes within the industry
• Back office or support functions will be reviewed for efficiency and effectiveness with a view to modernising or outsourcing.
Stephen Radley, director of policy at CITB, said, “In delivering this plan, we will review all current CITB activity to make sure Levy money is being used to best effect for construction employers.
“We will invest in the most-needed training, and work through partnerships and commissioning wherever possible to make sure it is available in the right places.”
The CITB statement said the organisation has committed to “significant cost savings” and an “overall reduction of 30% in headcount by the end of 2018, including steps it has already taken such as the reshaping of business information and advice”.
