The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched its Accelerated Apprenticeships, a fast-track route intended to support the Government's ambition to build 1.5 million homes by 2029 while alleviating regional construction skills shortages.

As part of CITB's broader homebuilding support package, the scheme targets 1,680 apprenticeship starts over four years in key trades such as bricklaying, carpentry and roofing.

An initial five programmes will be created with further education colleges and training providers, with a further 15 planned by mid-2029. Provision will be focused on areas with the highest housing demand and mapped to local labour market needs. This aligns with CITB's new strategic partnerships with regional mayors across England and the delivery of Local Skills Improvement Plans, supporting an integrated construction skills ecosystem.

The model enables apprentices to finish in 14–18 months, rather than the typical two to three years, by combining intensive early learning with structured block release and on-site experience. The approach is designed to increase completion speeds, improve system efficiency and strengthen trainees' prospects of securing long-term roles in homebuilding.

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Shorter programmes are also intended to reduce delivery costs and flex capacity in line with regional demand, allowing more new entrants to train and join the industry.

The first wave will focus on Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Kent, and Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. The programme will also feed into a new National Construction Mayoral Network, expected to launch later this year.

By expanding accelerated, block-release provision in these locations, CITB aims to raise apprenticeship uptake, improve completion rates and sustain a reliable pipeline of skilled workers for the sector.

The initiative emphasises long-term employment outcomes, giving employers a faster and more flexible route to convert trainees into permanent staff. Performance measures will track enrolment, completion and progression into sustained employment in construction.

CITB will back partner colleges and training providers with set-up funding of up to £33,625 per programme. Apprenticeship funding will also be provided, alongside ongoing support from CITB's New Entrant Support Team (NEST) to help employers recruit, access funding and deliver high-quality training.

Tim Balcon, CEO at CITB, said: "Meeting the scale of the UK's housing need requires a step change in how we train people for construction careers. Accelerated Apprenticeships are a key part of that shift – helping more people gain the skills they need more quickly, and in the areas where they are most needed.

"Establishing regional Accelerated Apprenticeship programmes is a vital next step in developing our partnerships with mayoral and local authorities and is an example of the collaborative efforts that are required to address the skills shortage.

"But it's not just about getting people through training faster. As an industry, we need to place greater focus on outcomes – ensuring that apprenticeships lead to sustained, high-quality employment. That's how we build a workforce that is not only larger, but more resilient for the future."

Further information is available on the CITB website via the Helping Construction Grow: Funded Projects page.