CITB-ConstructionSkills has announced it will double the rate of grant available to employers for short duration training courses and in-house training plans.

The group, which is responsible for 4,000 apprentices in Scotland every year, hopes the move will boost the industry’s skills base.

It is thought the measures will benefit about 5,000 employers.

The news follows a tough period for the industry, with the number of companies claiming grant funding for training falling by 62% since 2008.

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The increase was proposed by industry-led Grants Scheme Working Party (GSWP).

It will see funding for training plans and short duration courses undertaken between 1 August 2012 and 31 July 2013 rise from £22.50 to £50 per day.

£11 will be available to employers eligible to supplementary payment, making a total of £61 per day.

Chris Jones, Chairman of the GSWP, said: "I’m sure that our decision to increase grants to reward employers that train is welcome news for the industry.

"These are difficult times for our industry – 2012 has proved to be significantly tougher than expected and with businesses needing to adapt to survive, this additional grant should help incentivise construction firms build a highly-qualified workforce that is capable of capitalising on work opportunities as the sector returns to growth."

CITB-ConstructionSkills provides training to 30,000 learners and 700 apprentices annually through its National Construction College.

(IT)