The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has appointed Tim Balcon as its new chief executive, replacing the outgoing incumbent Sarah Beale.
Balcon will start at CITB on 1 September, with Beale relinquishing her post at the end of that month.
Balcon has previously served as chief executive at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and has also been chief executive of the Energy and Utility Sector Skills Council (EU Skills), where he created the National Skills Academy for Power. He has also served on the board of Ofqual and was a member of the UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Board.
He began his career as an apprentice service engineer with British Gas in the early 1980s.
Peter Lauener, CITB chair, said: “I’d like to welcome Tim to CITB, an outstanding candidate for the post of CEO. He brings considerable experience in skills and training and strong leadership qualities.
“This is a crucial time for construction skills across Britain, and the Board is looking forward to working with him to drive forward our strategy to meet the skills needs of employers.”
Mark Reynolds, CEO of Mace Group and co-lead of the Construction Leadership Council skills workstream, said: “I am looking forward to working closely with Tim as we address the huge skills challenges we face in construction. Tim’s journey from apprentice to chief executive is one that will resonate with the industry and will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.”
Balcon said: “As a former apprentice, I know how much having the right skills at a young age can transform your whole career and support your employer. That’s why I’m so passionate about skills and am thrilled to be joining the team at CITB to help many more people join the construction sector and to have long and fulfilling careers within it.”
