£1.2m Grants Scheme Puts Training Back On Business Agenda

The local construction industry is set to benefit from the launch of a multi-million grant scheme that puts training back at the top of the business agenda.

The CITB-Construction Skills NI newly updated 2011/2012 Grant Scheme will focus on the provision of training that covers a range of initiatives – including health and safety, management and leadership – and the variety of grants available has been designed to take account of the diversity of the construction sector. Moreover, the grant application process has been simplified and now offers employers further flexibility to claim while they train. Employers that claim online can also benefit by up to an additional 2.5% grant by choosing to receive electronic payment, and a further 2.5% if they pay levy electronically. Launching the scheme, Barry Neilson, CITB-Construction Skills NI Chief Executive stated: “Over the last year we have reviewed the way we structure our grants scheme and how it could be more supportive to the employer and in turn the industry. We have taken account of the current economic climate and are working with employers, for employers, to encourage them to fully embrace our remit of encouraging training in the industry. It is our aim to be as flexible and proactive as possible in working with the construction industry to develop their skills.” “Training is important and is essential for the future of the industry; we encourage and support training to ensure the right skills in the right place at the right time. These are difficult times and it is the skills and qualifications of our workforce that will help us survive. We believe that those companies that have a fully trained workforce will have a competitive advantage over their rivals.” For further information on CITB-Construction Skills NI Grants visit www.citbcsni.org.uk/grants, or contact a member of the Training Operations Support team on 028 9082 5466 or by email at info@citbcsni.org.uk