James Wates CBE has been reappointed as Chairman of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The reappointment was made by Skills Minister Nick Boles.

Mr Wates became Chairman of the CITB in 2010 having served on the board since October 2002.

As well as being at the head of CITB, he is also Chairman for Wates Group, UK Contractors Group (UKCG) and six other industry organisations.

Mr Wates said: "I’m delighted to be continuing as Chairman of CITB. 


"This is an exciting time for construction and I’m proud to lead an organisation with such an important role in ensuring that the industry has the skilled workforce it needs.

"CITB will deliver on its promise to the industry to become more efficient and effective. We’ll work with the sector on making sure that employer funding supports the right skills, that training providers meet industry needs and that information about opportunities in construction is easy to access.

"We’ll continue to deliver on the shared ambition to deliver significantly more apprenticeships.

"We need to change our proposition as an industry and think about training and career pathways for the whole of the workforce – as that’s what industry wants and needs.

"I will look to build a much stronger platform for engagement with industry across Government."

(LM)