Mike Smith FCIOB, managing director, Corniche Builders
A review of the CITB is long overdue since it simply isn’t working. In the past far too much money has been wasted on administration and not gone back into training.
Whilst it is a levy it is in simple terms a “training tax” which has been badly administered with various training groups also set up which have funds in limbo. It needs to be looked at by industry and not politicians/civil servants/educationalists.
Maria Seabright, HR & finance director, Greendale Construction
My main concern would be changes to the apprenticeship levy, which is currently only relevant to employers with an annual PAYE bill above £3m. At the moment, this does not affect Greendale, so we will still only have to pay one levy – to the CITB.
But if the CITB levy does not continue I don’t know how smaller organisations will be able to train and get grants back from the CITB and this would have a massive impact on the industry.
I think the CITB should look at reducing its levy criteria to make it more affordable for smaller organisations, especially ones that train.
Patrick Flaherty, chief executive – UK and Ireland, Aecom
With the UK facing a long-term skills shortage and the baby boom generation edging towards retirement, a reformed training board can only be positive for the construction industry.
The emergence of BIM and other technologies, as well as a greater focus on offsite construction, gives an opportunity for a re-energised and redirected CITB. Any recommendations that focus on innovation to encourage the development of new skills are therefore welcome.
Bruce Boughton, people development manager, Lovell Partnerships
It is very positive that CITB has been changing rapidly over the last 12 months and it is clear the process will continue this year. We welcome the increased communication and engagement that CITB has demonstrated during this time as it grapples with the new apprenticeship levy, reducing costs and the need for an entirely new grant scheme. In the summer a revised levy/grant will be proposed and it will then be for industry to decide whether there is a consensus for the CITB to continue or not.
Stephen Wielebski FCIOB, principal consultant, W A Consultancy
The apprenticeship levy will help but the fruits of this investment will not be fully realised for at least two years or more. Moreover, what is vital to the success of any such scheme is the provision of training and career development matched to the technological and practical needs of the industry.
At main board level a change to "technical" rather than "fiscal" leadership will be one of the key requirements if we are to succeed. Finally, what about harnessing the knowledge and experience of those close to retirement?
Rather than discard the effective contribution that they are able to make why not make it a more attractive proposition to retain such a rich source of experience and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills to younger generations? Perhaps something to consider as we begin our journey in 2017?
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