The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has released the findings of an independent social impact study on its 'Mind the Gap' programme, a project designed to open new pathways into construction for individuals with convictions.

The original programme, launched in 2017, was led by BeOnsite and was a £720,000 investment over three years. It engaged with 400 employers and 795 candidates, resulting in 172 job opportunities and 75 sustained employment outcomes. The independent study found that the programme generated £3,536,000 in social value between 2017 and 2020 by helping prison leavers into jobs and reducing reoffending.

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Adrian Beckingham, Strategy and Policy Director at CITB, said: "By creating new routes into the industry for people with convictions, we’re not only helping individuals rebuild their lives – we’re also helping employers access untapped talent. Mind the Gap is a powerful example of the multitude of solutions we need to consider to address the skills shortage while improving people’s lives."

Jessica Mellor-Clark, Head of BeOnsite, described collaboration as "the secret to Mind the Gap’s success," which brought together government, business, and third-sector organisations to create lasting change.

The report's findings follow the CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook 2025-29, which revealed that the industry requires an additional 47,860 workers per year to meet forecasted demand. The lessons from the project will be used to inform future initiatives and government policy aimed at broadening recruitment horizons.