7.13 Training in the industry is provided mainly under the auspices of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), one of only two remaining statutory boards. Certain specialist sections of the industry are not within the scope of the CITB, and have their own training schemes. The SECG, in its final report, made it clear that it had no wish to return to the CITB, claiming that "since withdrawal from CITB, there has been a dramatic increase • in training awareness, responsibility and activity". Some sectors of the industry which remain in scope also have doubts.56 But the general contracting industry itself largely favours the continuation of the Board and a compulsory levy, so as to ensure some degree of sharing of training costs.57
7.14 The CITB has responded positively to widespread concern about training and career opportunities in the industry. It has recently published the Report of the Joint Action Group on New Entrant Training (JAGNET), entitled "Proposals for the Construction Industry Training Scheme for Craft and Operative New Entrants" (March 1994). It contains 42 recommendations, and a proposed timescale for their implementation, beginning on 1st April 1995.
7.15 Youth training represents the predominant intake into the industry, with 68% of the first year intake in 1992 being first year YTs (source: JAGNET report, table 10). The sharp fall in traditional apprenticeships in many industries has concerned Ministers, who recently announced a new Government initiative for "modern apprenticeships". Under that initiative, as from September 1995 new style apprenticeships will be offered to 16 and 17 year old school leavers. The arrangements will involve four Training and Enterprise Councils offering prototypes in electrical installation and two in engineering construction58. The CITB itself is also taking part, with two separate trial schemes to be launched in Sussex and Manchester in the autumn of 199459. They will be linked to NVQ3 level qualifications.
| 7.16 The JAGNET report offers detailed proposals for training within construction. In particular, it addresses possible methods of involving labour-only subcontractors more effectively within the training structures, and suggests new grants for that purpose. It contains a comprehensive package for implementation, and should be discussed urgently by the industry and the Government. 7.17 In its final report to this Review, the CIEC makes several specific recommendations on training. 1. "Modern apprenticeships" must be flexible enough to be accommodated within the realities of 60% self-employment among the workforce. 2. There should be a national TEC for construction, based on the CITB. 3. NVQs in the industry are not yet fully developed or satisfactory, and arrangements for output-related funding are undermining the system. 4. The CITB levy exclusion threshold should be abolished. 5. CITB must reduce its operating costs and raise to 85% the proportion of its levy income which is distributed in grants. |
_______________________________________________________________________
56 The National Association of Shopfitters, whose members are in CITB scope, says that "there is still a strong body of shopfitters who feel that CITB does not cater adequately for the specialist training requirements of the shopfitting industry". (Evidence, April 1994). Shopfitting is officially classified as a manufacturing industry, and much of its work is factory based.
57 c/f CIEC final report, paragraph 5:28.
58 Miss A. Widdecombe MP, Hansard, 29 March 1994, column 701, written answers.
59 CITB Press Announcement, 28th April 1994. Regarding "modern apprenticeships" for 16/17 year olds and also the proposed "accelerated modern apprenticeships" for 18/19 year olds, see the White Paper, "Competitiveness - Helping Business to Win" HMSO, May 1994, Chapter 4.