Construction companies aiming to develop their workforce can take advantage of a record £114 million in training grants from CITB-ConstructionSkills.

The 2006/7 grant scheme has been produced following extensive industry consultation and work has been done to simplify the scheme and make it more accessible to employers.

Firms which have a training and development plan in place can claim grants for training in many disciplines that benefit their business – from construction-based programmes to computing skills, accountancy and customer service.

Head of finance at CITB-ConstructionSkills Douglas Matthews said: “With demand for construction soaring and a huge range of projects underway throughout the UK, training has never been more vital.

“With our company development advisers based across England, Scotland and Wales and £114million 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. It’s good for your businesses reputation and it’s good for industry as a whole.”

In 2005, 19,616 companies applied for grants to help with their training costs and were allocated a share of £107 million.

Most popular support included grants for training and development plans, which enable employers to develop and implement a structured approach to the training and development of their workforce; and the Health and Safety Test grant, which rewards firms when their employees pass the CITB-ConstructionSkills’ Health and Safety Test at an approved test centre.

Christine Armour, from Angel Interiors UK Ltd, said: “We claim CITB grant to help fund our training, and as a result we get well-trained, highly able staff – and we retain them too, as they are happy that we are investing in their skills and careers.”

Details of the grants are available at:
construction skills