We have submitted our response to the government’s consultation on proposals to create a single, unified Industry Training Board (ITB), bringing together the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).
The proposals come at a time when employers across construction, engineering construction, energy and utilities are facing growing demand for skilled workers. Major infrastructure projects, housebuilding targets and the transition to net zero all rely on a workforce with the right skills in the right places at the right time.
Many employers already work across multiple sectors and compete for the same talent. We believe any changes to the skills system should make it easier for employers to engage, while supporting the workforce needed to deliver the UK’s future infrastructure ambitions.
We support reform in principle and recognise the need for a more coordinated approach to workforce planning across construction, engineering construction and infrastructure sectors.
Our response highlights the opportunity to:
- Improve collaboration across sectors that increasingly rely on the same workforce
- Make it easier for employers to engage with the skills system
- Strengthen workforce planning to support major infrastructure projects and the transition to net zero
However, we believe reform will only succeed if it is implemented effectively. In particular, the new model must:
- Retain strong sector expertise, especially in engineering construction
- Improve coordination across major projects and supply chains
- Deliver better results for employers and learners
Our response also proposes a group-based model with central coordination and sector-specific directorates. This would help maintain specialist knowledge while creating a more joined-up approach to workforce planning, skills investment and employer engagement.
Rachel Thomas, Managing Director of Energy & Environment Awards, said:
“We look forward to the opportunity to work together on improving the skills system, and we recognise that any changes need to keep the specialist expertise that employers depend on. The focus should be on helping the industry build the skilled workforce it needs, both now and in the years to come.”
The consultation closed on 14 June 2026. Our full response sets out our recommendations for how reform can support employers, strengthen workforce planning and help deliver the skills needed for future infrastructure, construction and engineering projects.
