The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced new measures to support the construction sector and particularly apprentices and trainees over the coming weeks and months.

It follows an announcement last week that CITB has closed its four National Construction Colleges and cancelled its spring roadshows.

For up to date information go to www.citb.co.uk/urgent-messages.

The website also contains, among other information, important updated details on funding, grants, HS&E tests and apprenticeships.

All training at NCC sites at Bircham Newton, Erith, Inchinnan and Kings Norton ended last Friday. Current and advance-booked courses during the closure can be rescheduled or refunded. CITB is contacting affected learners and employers to make arrangements. As for other colleges across the country, the NCCs will remain closed until further notice.

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The spring roadshows are being replaced by a series of online webinar alternatives.

Sarah Beale, CITB Chief Executive, said: "The construction industry will receive our support throughout this crisis. In addition to the measures we are taking so far we will continually review this in line with Government actions and adapt as necessary during this fast-moving situation."

Braden Connolly, CITB's Products & Services Director, said: "Apprenticeships are critical to the future of the construction industry. Coronavirus is placing unprecedented pressure on employers – especially SMEs – so CITB will help them with the funding of apprenticeships by bringing forward payment of some apprenticeship grants. This is additional to the Chancellor's job retention scheme announced today. It is clear that relief must come rapidly, and CITB will announce details in days rather than weeks. In the meantime, we urge all employers not to dismiss any apprentices without first speaking to our Apprenticeship team."

(MH/JG)