CITB’s NEST scheme supports construction apprenticeship starts
CITB’s New Entrant Support Team (NEST) has supported more than 13,500 construction apprenticeship starts since its launch in September 2022, as the industry faces continued demand for skilled workers.
The latest figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) show that NEST has also supported 7,230 employers and provided assistance to 3,925 existing apprentices.
A further 5,000 apprenticeship starts are expected to be supported by the end of the 2026-27 financial year.
NEST supports more than 12% of construction apprenticeship starts
Around 33,000 people started construction apprenticeships in Britain during the 2024-25 financial year. Of these, more than 4,100 starts were supported by NEST, accounting for over 12% of the total.
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The initiative helps construction employers recruit and retain apprentices and other new entrants to the industry. Its support includes guidance on recruitment, access to grants and funding, and ongoing assistance and mentoring for employees.
The figures come as the construction sector faces ongoing skills shortages.
CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook estimates that the industry needs more than 41,000 additional workers each year to meet demand.
Increasing apprenticeship recruitment and supporting workers through their training and into employment will be important to meeting that requirement.
CITB calls for long-term careers in construction
Leanne Land, Head of Regional Engagement at CITB, said the scheme was helping employers overcome barriers to recruiting new entrants.
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“CITB is here to support employers to take on new entrants, and it’s fantastic to see the impact of our New Entrant Support Team.
“By reducing barriers, supporting recruitment and championing the value of apprenticeships, we can help ensure that more people enter and successfully complete the training that construction and the wider economy will increasingly depend upon.
“It’s also vital that we don’t solely focus on people starting and completing training, but that they also progress into long-term careers in the industry.
“We remain committed to continuing our work in supporting employers to build the resilient and skilled workforce that the construction industry needs.”
