As the construction industry prepares for rapid growth, including the UK Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes and deliver major infrastructure projects, the need for a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce has never been greater. To meet this challenge, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched its Strategic Plan for 2025–29. A roadmap that outlines how it intends to bridge the construction skills gap and support employers over the next four years.

In this follow-up to our popular blog on accessing CITB funding for SMEs, we’re unpacking what this new strategic direction means for small and medium-sized businesses and how you can benefit.

1. Increased Funding and Support for SMEs

SMEs remain the backbone of the UK construction industry and CITB is listening. The Strategic Plan sets out clear intentions to make funding more accessible, reduce red tape, and provide hands-on support through the expanded New Entrant Support Team (NEST).

Since its trial, NEST has already helped over 1,100 previously non-training employers begin their journey. The team offers brokerage and guidance on apprenticeships, grants, and recruitment, ensuring smaller businesses aren't left behind.

Key Investment Areas (2025–29):

• £554 million to inspire and enable new entrants.
• £315 million to upskill the existing workforce.
• £137 million to develop the training system.
• £143 million to run CITB operations and improve grant administration.

2. New Entrants and Careers Promotion

With 250,000 new workers needed by 2028, CITB aims to promote construction careers to over 5 million people through campaigns, schools outreach, and employer role models. SMEs will benefit from a bigger talent pool, with local Employer Networks and Homebuilding Skills Hubs helping to funnel work-ready candidates directly into jobs.

Notably, up to 32 regional Skills Hubs are being rolled out by 2027, with the capacity to generate over 8,000 apprenticeship starts annually. SMEs engaging with these hubs will have early access to skilled labour, perfect for those struggling to recruit.

3. Simplified and Responsive Training System

SMEs have long called for a simpler training landscape. In response, CITB is investing in:

• A Training Provider Network linked with Employer Networks for high-quality, locally relevant training.
• A central directory of CITB-assured training providers.
• Free resources and CPD to tackle trainer and assessor shortages, especially important for SMEs in niche areas like flooring, scaffolding or heritage construction.

This streamlined approach is designed to make it easier for SMEs to identify quality training and access the right funding, without being buried in bureaucracy.

4. Support to Upskill and Retain Your Workforce

The Strategic Plan doesn’t just focus on new talent, it places strong emphasis on retaining and upskilling existing workers. CITB plans to engage over 35,000 employers in upskilling and draw 5,000 new businesses into training. For SMEs, this presents a golden opportunity to access:

• Funding and incentives for competence-based training.
• Support for productivity-enhancing practices like leadership, digital skills, and project management.
• Grants tailored to retain workers through flexible training and mental health awareness initiatives.

Additionally, CITB is working to define industry-wide competence standards ensuring that qualifications and job cards truly reflect the skills needed on site.

5. Looking Ahead: Opportunities for SMEs

Over the next four years, SMEs can expect:

• Easier access to funding with reduced admin
• Better local support via Employer Networks and NEST
• More visibility of high-quality, relevant training providers
• A focus on workforce retention and culture, not just recruitment
• A voice in shaping how training and funding is delivered locally

Turning Strategy into Action 

The CITB Strategic Plan 2025–29 is more than just a document, it’s a call to action for SMEs to get involved, take advantage of funding, and play a central role in shaping the future of construction skills. With major housing, infrastructure, and green initiatives on the horizon, the time to invest in your workforce is now.

If you're an SME unsure where to start, Essential Site Skills can help you navigate your funding options, plan training, and stay compliant with evolving industry standards. Let’s work together to build a stronger, smarter construction workforce.

The CITB Strategic Plan is more than a funding guide, it’s a vision for a stronger, more inclusive construction industry. For SMEs, it’s a chance to shape the future, invest in people, and help close the skills gap one project, one learner, and one opportunity at a time.