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.

Build UK is a CITB Prescribed Organisation and represents the views of its members that pay the CITB Levy during the three-yearly Consensus process when the industry votes on whether CITB should continue to collect a Levy. There are also many members that are out of scope to CITB and we need a skills system that works for everyone. 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 recognised standards for all construction occupations, a nationwide delivery system for training and qualifications, and an effective apprenticeship system, which would benefit the whole industry.

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 show young people and those looking for a change of career the fantastic range of opportunities available in construction. The event will return from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 March 2024 with over 200 locations expected to take part across Great Britain. The construction sites participating will range from houses to skyscrapers, and visitor opportunities will also include a wide range of virtual experiences and online events, whilst manufacturing and training facilities will open their doors to demonstrate the off-site roles across the sector.

The key dates for your diaries are now available ahead of next year’s event and our review of Open Doors 2023 demonstrates the impact it has on recruiting the next generation.

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