Build UK works to secure the right skills for the industry, now and in the future, by:

  • Encouraging the next generation to choose a career in construction
  • Influencing the policy landscape and working with CITB to support the skills the industry needs
  • Delivering a flexible, productive and safe workplace for everyone.

The Industry Skills System & CITB

Access to the right skills in the right place at the right time is key to the whole industry and there are real challenges for employers of all sizes in training and qualifying the workforce.

In a process known as Consensus, construction employers that pay the CITB Levy are asked periodically if they support its continuation. Build UK is one of 14 ‘Prescribed Organisations’, which means it is required to formally consult members on the CITB Levy and submit a consolidated response on their behalf. Build UK has published its ‘Levy In – Skills Out’ proposal setting out members’ expectations in return for paying the Levy. This highlights how the Levy could be used more effectively to deliver better outcomes including a one-stop shop window into construction careers, a comprehensive apprenticeship delivery system and a nationwide qualification and training delivery system.

There are also many members that are out of scope to CITB and we need a skills system that helps everyone achieve a competent, productive and inclusive workforce. Build UK recognises that in order to commit to investment in skills employers require certainty of pipeline. The 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, due to be published by the Government later this year, should give them the confidence to make that investment and the industry will need an effective skills system in place to deliver the capacity required to meet the UK’s homes and infrastructure needs.

Whilst Build UK has confirmed support for the continuation of the CITB Levy during this year’s Consensus process, it was clear that members are not prepared to wait another three years to see fundamental changes in CITB’s delivery.

Click here to view Build UK’s ‘Levy In – Skills Out’ proposal

Open Doors

Open Doors takes visitors behind the scenes to showcase the fantastic range of careers available in construction. The event, which is delivered by Build UK, will take place from Monday 17 – Saturday 22 March 2025 with hundreds of events participating across the UK. The construction sites on offer will range from houses to skyscrapers, and visitor opportunities will include virtual reality and taster sessions, whilst manufacturing and training facilities will open their doors to demonstrate the off-site roles across the sector.

Event registration is now open with visitor booking due to open on Monday 13 January 2025.

Click here to find out more

STEM Ambassadors

Build UK and CITB have joined forces with STEM Ambassadors to show more young people the wide range of opportunities available in construction. Go Construct STEM Ambassadors play an essential role in inspiring young people to think about a career in construction through a range of activities, including school presentations, careers talks and mentoring. Businesses can register as a STEM Employer and encourage their teams to sign up as STEM Ambassadors.

Click here to watch our short film

Flexible Working

Whilst it has long been recognised that flexible working is key to a more diverse workforce, making it work for site-based roles is often seen as an insurmountable challenge. Build UK delivered a pioneering project with Timewise and four Contractor members to trial a range of approaches to flexible working on site. The findings have been used to produce an industry-wide toolkit that can be used by companies of all sizes to implement flexible working, helping to make construction a positive career choice for everyone.

Click here to download the toolkit