The construction industry is set to receive a record figure of £140m in training grants this year.

Available from 1st August 2007, CITB-ConstructionSkills Grants are available to support a wide variety of training within the industry, covering key initiatives such as qualifying existing workers, improving health and safety,and training new recruits.

Frms can claim grants for training in many disciplines that benefit their business, not only construction-based programmes but also computer skills, accountancy and administration.

Mark Farrar, corporate services director at ConstructionSkills, is urging employers to take advantage of the grants on offer early to avoid missing out: “Increasing the number of companies investing in training is vital to improving the industry’s performance. Grants support employers investing in high quality training, and for every £1.00 of Levy received in 2006 the industry received £1.90 in total benefits. ConstructionSkills continues to work hard to maximise its income so we can give as
much value back to industry as possible.

“With our company development and training advisers based across England, Scotland and Wales and more than £140million in grant support available, there’s never been a better time to consider your firm’s training needs and to make the most of the support on offer. Training is good for business and it’s good for the construction industry as a whole.”

A booklet summarising the grants is due to be mailed to all construction employers registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills this month, along with information on the benefits of training and the types of support on offer.

For full details and terms and conditions of the Grants visit www.cskills.org/grant which from the August 1 will contain the latest information on the 2007/2008 Grants Scheme.