The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is calling on Scottish construction companies to boost apprenticeship starts by claiming available CITB apprenticeship grants during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (03-07 March, 2025).

To mark the week, Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education, visited the National Construction College (NCC) in Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, to see apprentices in action and speak with employers and apprentices.

CITB, in its Strategic Plan 2025-29, has committed over £550 million to support diverse and skilled individuals entering the construction industry, including apprenticeship grants. Nearly £150 million has been invested in these grants from April 2023 to March 2025.

According to CITB's Construction Skills Network report, Scotland's construction industry needs an additional 26,100 workers by 2028. Currently, nearly 14,000 construction apprentices are in training in Scotland.

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Apprenticeship starts remain steady, with approximately 6,500 starts annually over the past three years. CITB Scotland currently manages nearly 4,500 apprentices.

Minister Graeme Dey MSP said: "Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to get out and see the unique approaches that businesses and colleges take to ensure apprentices are equipped with the skills they need to succeed."

Kirsty Evans, Executive Principal (NCC) at CITB, highlighted the importance of supporting apprentices and improving their experience.

Ian Hughes, Engagement Director (Scotland) at CITB, encouraged employers to engage with CITB: "We want Scottish construction employers to get in touch with us about how we can support them and their training and skills needs." He emphasised the benefits of apprenticeships for recruitment, training, and upskilling.

Find out more about CITB apprenticeships here: www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/citb-apprenticeships/take-on-an-apprentice/about-citb-apprenticeships/.

Find out more about CITB's Employer Networks here: www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-and-funding/employer-networks/.