CIOB Academy has launched a series of short courses aimed at helping construction professionals build practical knowledge around key industry issues, starting with fire safety.

The new CIOB Academy Bitesize Courses are designed to provide accessible learning that can be completed in less than an hour, with each course combining visual, audio and interactive content.

The initiative has been introduced against the backdrop of continuing skills shortages across the construction industry, with demand for skilled professionals outpacing the available workforce.

The first five courses will focus on fire safety, covering topics including the implementation of legislation and regulations, fire protection and occupier behaviour.

Courses will be released monthly between July and November, with further subjects planned from 2027. These are expected to cover areas including regulation, onsite skills and sustainable technologies.

The courses are intended to be regularly updated to reflect changes to industry standards and legislation. Learners who complete a Bitesize Course will receive a certificate of recognition, which can be recorded as part of their continuing professional development (CPD).

Adrian Montague, CIOB Academy director, said the new format was intended to make learning more accessible to construction professionals.

“We’re always looking for new ways to reach the modern professional,” he said. “CIOB Academy’s Bitesize Courses are content packaged to do just that, whilst helping to close the skills gap – a critical part of the CIOB corporate plan.”

He added that the format would allow the Academy to make greater use of emerging technologies and support its aim of raising standards across the industry.