The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced it is to cut staffing levels by 30%.

In its three-year business plan, the organisation said the move is necessary in order to make itself more responsive to industry needs, return maximum Levy value to construction employers, and make the organisation more modern, cost-efficient and able to help thousands more firms invest in training each year.

CITB will achieve this by "investing to modernise its currently outdated systems and processes, by consolidating roles to reduce duplication, and by seeking to work through partnerships and commissioning, rather than always delivering training directly."

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Overall, it is expected staff numbers will drop from 1,400 to around 950 by 2018.

The skills body stated its priorities will be:

• Developing a comprehensive evidence base on current and future skill needs and supply.

• Using this evidence to target training provision to meet these needs.

• Reforming its grants scheme to deliver simpler, more targeted funding support.

• Developing qualifications and supporting the development of new apprenticeship trailblazer standards.

• Making the government’s reform of FE and apprenticeships deliver for construction and boost apprenticeship numbers.

• Supporting employers to attract and retain people by setting out opportunities, entry routes and progression routes within the industry.

• Back office or support functions will be reviewed for efficiency and effectiveness with a view to modernising or outsourcing.

Stephen Radley, Director of Policy, said: "In delivering this plan, we will review all current CITB activity to make sure Levy money is being used to best effect for construction employers. We will invest in the most-needed training, and work through partnerships and commissioning wherever possible to make sure it is available in the right places."

(LM/MH)