It was the initiative's second full year of operation, and figures show the Networks supported 50,966 learners in the financial year (FY) 2024-25, an increase from 11,468 the previous inaugural year.

The figures also reveal that in FY 2024-25, Employer Networks supported:

• 4,097 employers – an increase from 1,284 the previous year
• 2,655 of the employers supported are small and micro (SMEs)
• 26% of the employers who supported had not claimed a grant in the past 12 months

Employer Networks are an initiative set up and funded by CITB that offer bespoke, easy-to-access training and financial support for employers.

They give employers a direct channel to communicate their training needs and advise on how funding should be prioritised and allocated in their local area. Additionally, they enable CITB to be more responsive to industry needs on both the regional and national levels. 

There is enormous demand for skilled construction workers in the UK, with CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasting the need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028.

For almost a third (31%) of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly as more older workers retire and are not replaced.

By encouraging greater dialogue with employers and removing barriers to engagement with training, the Employer Networks help address the skills gap and build a stronger future for the industry.

Deb Madden, executive director for Nations Engagement, CITB, said: “We must have a firm grasp of what skills are required and where they’re needed across the country. Employer Networks are designed to make the training and skills system easier for employers, helping to address the skills gap.

“Our latest Employer Networks figures prove the initiative has been hugely successful, and we look forward to building on this success and continuing to provide much-needed access to training for more employers and learners.