The 2023 Industry Training Board (ITB) review summary report outlines key strategic and operational changes aimed at strengthening the construction workforce. With a focus on modernising the levy-grant system, enhancing workforce development, and improving training accessibility, the recommendations set out a vision for a more resilient, productive, and skilled industry.
From merging CITB and ECITB to introducing a digital skills passport, these changes could have a significant impact on employers, workers, and the future of construction. Here’s a breakdown of the key recommendations.
The 2023 Industry Training Board (ITB) review summary report below provides several strategic and tactical recommendations to transform the construction workforce. Here is a short summary of the key recommendations:
Strategic Recommendations:
- Retain ITB Model: Maintain the ITB model but transform its strategic priorities and core capabilities to address workforce resilience challenges.
- Modernise Levy-Grant System: Retain and modernise the statutory levy-grant system to drive measurable outcomes.
- Merge ITBs: Merge CITB and ECITB into a single body focused on workforce development.
- Core Strategic Objectives: Establish objectives to improve workforce competency, productivity, and retention.
- Refocus Levy-Grant System: Balance funding between apprenticeships and scaleable interventions for new and existing workers.
- Strategic Workforce Planning: Develop a strategic workforce planning and jobs brokerage platform.
- New Talent Attraction: Reduce direct ITB involvement in talent attraction, passing control to industry.
- Redefine Career Pathways: Refresh occupational and qualification standards to create flexible career pathways.
- Training Provider Ecosystem: Develop and police a fit-for-purpose training provider ecosystem.
- Digital Skills Passport: Facilitate an industry-wide digital skills passport system to measure and police worker competency.
- Public Procurement: Use public procurement to drive improved skills and training outcomes.
- Legislative Scope: Explore modifying legislative scope to resolve anomalies and ensure fairness.
Tactical/Operational Recommendations:
- Financial Compliance: Ensure ITBs meet all financial requirements and improve transparency.
- Investment Rationale: Communicate the rationale for investments and measure their impact.
- Efficiency Savings: Achieve a 5% efficiency saving target and reduce reliance on external consultants.
- Levy Time Lag: Propose ways to reduce the time lag between levy returns and payments.
- Government Engagement: Engage more with government and Devolved Administrations to inform strategic planning.
These recommendations aim to create a more competent, productive, and resilient construction workforce capable of meeting future industry demands.
The 2023 ITB review presents a clear road-map for the future of construction workforce development, with a strong focus on modernisation, efficiency, and strategic investment. By refining the levy-grant system, improving training accessibility, and fostering industry collaboration, these recommendations aim to build a more skilled, productive, and resilient workforce. As these changes take shape, engagement from employers and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a system that truly meets the needs of the industry.
