Employer Networks
On this page:
- What are Employer Networks?
- Local network areas
- Sector specific groups
- Testimonials
- More information
What are Employer Networks?
Employer Networks are an initiative set up and funded by CITB aiming to simplify the way you get the support and funding you need to access the training you want. It’s all part of the service.
They have two main objectives:
Make it easier for you to access training and funding. The training can be in anything that supports construction employers. These could be the trade skills you need right now or something you’ll need in the future - such as net zero, digital skills or mentoring. And because the Employer Networks help organise it all, you don’t need to complete any paperwork to apply for funding.
To bring together employers at a local level to inform CITB on training needs, to advise how funding should be prioritised and allocated, and to effectively use training provision to address immediate and future skills needs in their region.
Employer Networks have been piloted since July 2022 and have proven to be successful in helping more employers to train and offer them support.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive said:
“I’m really excited about Employer Networks – this is about putting employers in the driving seat to identify and address their skills challenges and how best CITB can align our funding and resources to support their skills needs.
I would encourage employers in the Network areas to get involved and use their voice to shape training provision.”
The Employer Network Pilot scheme supported over 1,000 employers to train their employees
In fact 86% of employers stated the process of accessing training was simpler through Employer Networks.
Through 2024, we are rolling out the initiative to provide GB-wide coverage. Collectively employers are shaping the way funds provided by CITB are spent, and on what.
Local network areas
We’re going to be running Networks across Great Britain. The areas below are live, and we will be adding to this throughout the year. If you are based in one of these areas and are Levy-registered, you can benefit from being part of an Employer Network.
We will be launching more Networks in July and September. If you don't see your area listed below, check back here at a later date or speak to your local Adviser about when Employer Network will be in your area.
England
- Croydon, Lambeth, Sutton and Merton
- Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
- Dorset
- Greater Manchester
- Lincoln
- Midlands - Civil engineering only
- Norfolk
- Sunderland, Durham, Hartlepool & Billingham
- Swindon and Wiltshire
Scotland
- New - Aberdeen city, Aberdeenshire, Dundee and Angus
- New - Highlands, Islands and Argyll
- Inverness - plus civil engineering employers across Scotland
Wales
- New - North and Mid Wales
- South West Wales
Use the links below to find an Employer Network in your area:
England
North
| Network area | Contact name | Contact details |
| Greater Manchester | Sharon Brown | |
| Sunderland, Durham, Hartlepool & Billingham | Sharon Bew |
Midlands and East
| Network area | Contact name | Contact details |
| Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire | Judi Minty | |
| Lincoln | Lincoln Group Training Association | |
|
Midlands (Civil engineering only) |
Ceca Midlands | |
| Norfolk | Amy Gardner |
London
| Network area | Contact name | Contact details |
| Croydon, Lambeth, Sutton and Merton |
Samantha McLaughlin |
South West
| Network area | Contact name | Contact details |
| Dorset | Lisa Lawrence | |
| Swindon and Wiltshire | Katie Smith |
Scotland
| Network area | Contact name | Contact details |
| Aberdeen City - Aberdeenshire, Dundee and Angus | William Skinner | |
| Highlands/Islands/Argyll | William Skinner | |
|
Inverness (plus Civil engineering across Scotland) |
Scottish Civils Training Group |
Wales
| Network area | Contact name | Contact details |
| North(&Mid) | Emrys Roberts | |
| South West Wales | Cyfle Building Skills |
Sector specific groups
Sector specific groups have national coverage and currently include:
- Homebuilding - England - run by CITB - Farhan.Sattar@citb.co.uk Tel: 07766 785997
- Plant & Tool Hire - run by Hire Association Europe
- Utility Skills - Nicola Kirkwood Tel: 0121 7138255
Testimonials
Stacey Felmingham - Office Coordinator, Aspect Group Services Ltd said:
“Having the Employer Network has enabled us to offer a wider variety of training courses to our team both on site and in the office. With the support from the Norfolk Construction Training Group we have been able to navigate the process effectively and efficiently."
"The simplicity and broad scope of the initiative has allowed us to offer training to more employees than we initially budgeted for over the year, which is fantastic news as a business and for the individual."
Kelsey Burnett - Training Coordinator, Luddon Construction Ltd, Scottish Civils said:
"We’ve already booked in a number of upskilling courses for our existing staff. The increased funding has helped our business financially, allowing us to organise even more training, with no additional admin or claim forms to be submitted in order to receive the funding."
"The reduced administration has allowed our staff to focus on other things and knowing the employer network had everything in place on our behalf was such a weight lifted from our shoulders, knowing the funding was in hand."
Andrea Gravell - Resource Director, Lloyd & Gravell Ltd, Llanelli said:
"We heard about the Cyfle Employer Network through Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd. By tapping into the training organised by the local employer network contractors are able to benefit from training that would otherwise be difficult to source and more expensive, as training providers require a minimum number to run a training course."
The additional funding made available through the network has enabled us to use our training budget to increase training opportunities across the company."
What do I need to do to benefit from Employer Networks?
As long as you are registered with CITB, up to date with your levy and have an Employer Network in your area you can access & benefit from this service.
Will it cost me anything to join?
Employer Networks are free to join for any levy-registered employer.
Are there any other costs?
Each Employer Network has a budget to spend on training. The employers within the network decide how funds are used for the greatest benefit, so what training is supported and at what level of subsidy is down to EN members.
Is this only for face to face training?
No. The training can be face-to-face (in person or tutor-led online) or e-learning.
Is there a limit to how many can join an Employer Network?
There are no limits whatsoever - as long as employers meet the criteria mentioned above then as many as wish to join, can do so.
Can I belong to a local network group and a sector specific one?
Yes. So long as you are within the local group's area and work in the chosen sector you can belong to both. Sector networks are running until the end of 2024, but after this date the local ENs will cover all of GB.
There is no Employer Network in my area yet – what does that mean for me?
We are rolling out all Employer Networks throughout the coming months and by October 2024 we will have full GB coverage. Keep checking back to see if we are live in your area, or speak to your Adviser about when your EN is due to launch. In the meantime, you can continue accessing grant and other funding support.
I'm a member of a TG, can I still access funded training via an EN?
Yes of course; you can continue as a TG member and still benefit from ENs. If your GTO knows your training needs they can pass this straight on to the EN Adviser. TGs and ENs will be working closely together to ensure employers received the best support and access to training to meet their skill needs.