The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is taking steps to secure the future of 1,400 Carillion apprentices following the collapse of the construction company.
CITB is establishing a project team that will prioritise the retention and redeployment of these apprentices, and is devising a package of support, including grants and apprenticeship transfer incentives, to encourage construction employers to enable these apprentices to join their existing workforce
“Working with the Department for Education, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and its network of colleges, CITB is hopeful that it will be able to provide these learners with the opportunity to continue their education,” the training provider said in a statement.
“The direct impact [of Carillion’s collapse] will be CITB’s immediate priority but it will also quickly turn its attention to the wider effects on Carillion’s extensive supply chain.”
Carillion went bust on 15 January, reportedly with just £29 million in reserve. Fears are increasing that its collapse will have a knock-on effect that could put many subcontractors out of business.
Sarah Beale, chief executive at the CITB, said: “The news of Carillion entering insolvency is clearly a significant blow to the UK construction sector. While this will present the sector with a number of challenges, CITB’s priority is to do all it can to ensure that Carillion apprentices can continue their training so their skills are not lost.”
“We have established a project team to work with the apprentices and will be offering in principle grant and apprenticeship transfer incentives to our employer base in order to retain these learners.”
“We will be working closely with the ESFA, the official receiver and our network of college providers so that every possible support is in place to help these apprentices continue their training.”
“We will be liaising with the Official Receiver with a view to contacting the apprentices as soon as possible.”
CITB support for Carillion apprentices
If you are a Carillion apprentice and have been affected by this news, please contact CITB via telephone or email for the latest information and guidance:
Tel: 0344 994 4010
Email: carillion.apprenticeshipsupport@citb.co.uk
Employers who would like to discuss supporting a Carillion apprentice should also use these contact details.
