On 18 June, the Government launched the Construction Skills Fund which forms part of the Government’s National Retraining Scheme outlined in the Industrial Strategy. The Fund is focused on increasing the number of people trained in construction skills to create a workforce that meets the needs of the construction sector and will support:
- 20 on-site training hubs
- Work experience and placements for people working to join the industry
- Entry pathways for those currently unemployed
- Pathways for career switchers
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is running the procurement process on behalf of the Government and the associated OJEU notice has now been published launching the procurement process for the Fund:
The Construction Skills Fund (CSF) will seek to fund at least 20 on-site training hubs, to help build the homes and infrastructure England needs.
An On-Site Training Hub is a mobile training centre which has facilities to deliver educational and practical skills. Supporting the need of significant construction projects or truly mobile in supporting a programme of projects, the CSF is seeking innovative approaches to creating alignment between the employment needs of construction projects and the employment opportunities which can be created within the community of the construction work.
The total value being procured is £28.5m, and the deadline for applications is 4PM on 8 August.
The first stage of the process is to submit an Expression of Interest via the CITB website:
Expression of interest for Construction Skills Fund
Once the EoI has been accepted by the CITB, tenders have to be submitted via the Delta e-sourcing website:
Commissioning of construction training consistent with Construction Skills Fund (CSF)
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require support with submitting a tender to the Construction Skills Fund.