A new programme has been launched which aims to train up to 2,000 construction industry leaders in bringing the latest technology to the sector.

Funded by the CITB, 'Giving leaders the skills to drive digital transformation' will target leaders to apply digital technology to improve productivity and profitability. At least half of the leaders targeted will be from SMEs.

Six projects will train construction leaders in the skills needed to embed digital practices throughout their businesses, by creating internal digital champions and engaging supply chains.


The training will encourage firms to develop diagnostic tools to identify and assess their existing digital skills. The courses will offer teaching materials, modules and mentoring schemes.

The six project leads are: the National Federation of Builders, Willmott Dixon, Setting Out For Construction, Supply Chain School, Leeds Beckett University and the Gloucestershire Construction Training Group.

Marcus Bennett, CITB future skills and innovation lead, added: "CITB is supporting the construction industry in understanding the potential savings and productivity benefits of digitalisation, as well as embedding digital practice across businesses, especially for smaller firms. Margins are strained and wage costs going up, so it’s vital to make use of technologies that relieve these pressures.

"The CITB research report, 'Unlocking construction's digital future: A skills plan for Industry', has found that technology-specific skills aren't the problem – the broader skills and competencies at various levels need to be addressed."

(CM/JG)