Two websites to provide ‘clear pathways’ to industry careers

The CITB has revealed further details of plans for two new websites that aim to make better connections between prospective entrants to the industry and construction employers experiencing skills shortages.

Both of the new initiatives – the employer-centred Skills Matching Service and the applicant-centred Common Gateway – will be funded from the CITB levy and are due to launch in September.

The Common Gateway project was first floated in the No More Lost Generations report published in February 2014, and has since been championed by the Construction Leadership Council. It is designed to “reduce duplication and provide a clear pathway into the industry”.

Steve Radley, director of policy and strategic planning at CITB, said that the two websites would be developed over the coming months with input from employers, government and the National Careers Service.

However, he stressed that they would not be CITB “branded” but would belong to the entire industry.

“The Common Gateway is for anyone thinking about a career in construction, from school-leavers to graduates to people who are unemployed,” said Radley. “It will describe the careers available and how to start them, the training support available from the CITB and others, and information on employers in your area and how to get in touch. And if they need more information, the website will also put them in touch with an adviser. We’ll be working with employers directly to talk to them about how we can work with them,” he added.

Radley added that CITB was directing effort into giving FE colleges clearer evidence from employers about what construction skills are in demand in particular parts of the country, and where there were training gaps that colleges could help to fill. 

Meanwhile, the Skills Matching Service would “make it easier for employers to train and access people in the industry, and also to participate in government programmes” such as the government’s Youth Contract.

It is designed to facilitate employment for people who might be part-qualified in construction after completing an FE course, but who lack work experience, or potential returners whose skills are now out of date.

Another target group are ex-military personnel who gained their construction experience in the armed forces.

Writing about the initiatives in a blog on the CITB website, the organisation’s chief executive Adrian Belton said: “In widening participation in this way, we will help industry to connect with education providers and local government and better enable employers to respond quickly and effectively to the skills challenges they face.

“It is essential that industry works collaboratively with schools, local government and training providers to support the right routes into, up and across the sector and that we maintain our determination to win the race for talent. This must be the focus for us all as we work to take full advantage of the opportunities that growth is bringing.”