The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is highlighting three employer-led training programmes designed to help the construction industry develop the skills needed to support the UK’s transition to net zero.

The initiatives, funded through CITB’s Industry Impact Fund (IIF), have been developed by contractors and manufacturers to address skills gaps in low-carbon construction, sustainable building methods and workforce development.

The IIF supports employer-led projects tackling key industry challenges, with net zero identified as one of six priority funding areas.

Among the latest projects is a Low Carbon Passport Programme developed by Balfour Beatty. The accredited qualification aims to address shortages in low-carbon construction skills in Scotland and the wider UK. The free programme is open to both new entrants and existing construction professionals, with courses running until November 2026.

Free learning resources

A second initiative is a two-year Future Workforce Programme, developed by Berkeley Group in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and its Future Workforce Leadership Group.

The programme is producing free learning resources, including videos, animations and training sessions, to help further education colleges incorporate net-zero skills into their teaching, while supporting SMEs in identifying and accessing low-carbon business opportunities. CITB said the resources will remain freely available for at least three years.

The third project, Timber in Construction 101, has been developed by Donaldson Timber Systems to improve knowledge of timber construction across industry and education.

Launched at Futurebuild earlier this year, the programme will offer more than 15 fully funded training modules for construction professionals, apprentices and college students, ranging from introductory courses to advanced technical learning.

CITB said the projects demonstrate how employer-led training can help equip the sector with the skills needed to reduce carbon emissions.

The built environment is responsible for around 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, making decarbonisation a key challenge if the country is to meet its 2050 net-zero target.

Supporting employers and training providers

Vanessa Freeman, CITB’s head of grants and funding, said: “The construction industry has a vital role to play in helping the UK achieve its net-zero ambitions, but doing so will require a workforce equipped with the right skills and knowledge.

“Through our Industry Impact Fund, we’re supporting employers and training providers to develop accessible training and new qualifications, helping construction employers build the workforce skills they need to deliver sustainable construction.”

The Industry Impact Fund provides financial support for innovative projects developed by employers that address strategic workforce and skills challenges facing the construction industry, including net zero, productivity and skills shortages.