News item: CITB Brings Value to the Hire Industry
The construction sector is a major part of the UK economy employing several million people. It is one of only three parts of the economy that remains supported through an Industrial Training Board.
The CITB model was originally established in the 1960’s to support sectors in developing and providing the skills needed, and is overseen by the Department for Education under the Industrial Training Order.
Plant, tool and equipment hire companies are recognised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as an integral part of the sector and as such are ‘in scope through the Order’. Those that are registered are liable to be assessed on an annual basis and may pay a Levy if their wage bill is over a certain amount.
The levy raised is then distributed back to industry through a range of methods:
On behalf of members HAE benefits from a range of support from CITB to encourage careers, skills, learning and development.
For example, HAE holds the status of ‘Approved Training Organisation‘ meaning the courses and qualifications on offer meet specific industry standards. The Training Team can also support members by triggering short-duration grant payments upon course completion, offer advice on grant claims, and Skills & Training applications. HAE is also recognised by Offqual through the National Open College Network (NOCN) to deliver National Vocational Qualifications.
With the support of CITB, HAE also formed the Hiretrain training group. The group works together to identify key areas of training needed in the sector and seeks out providers to deliver this. Through CITB’s support over the last 12 months, members have claimed more than £50,000 in training grants for programmes delivered via HireTrain.
Earlier this year the association concluded the Routeways – Careers in Hire initiative that helped train and support hundreds of employees across the sector.
The association also benefits from funding towards specific training and recruitment projects. Most notably would be the award-winning ‘V-Hire’ and ‘Project pHAEton’ virtual reality training and knowledge assessment solutions.
Before joining HAE as CEO, Paul Gaze was employed by CITB in strategic roles that supported engagement with associations and federations.
Paul says: “HAE’s relationship with CITB is integral to supporting members, recruiting, developing and facilitating the learning of their workforce. Through the various initiatives and programmes that have been developed for the sector we now have a careers path and a route to support people joining and developing in hire and rental.
“As an Association we also have a say in the work and direction of CITB as we are consulted on behalf of our members on CITB’s plans and Levy proposals.
“The current Employer Network Pilot that CITB is supporting for members is a great example of this. If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity to secure funding through this initiative, please contact us.”
Members who are not registered with CITB, those in the events sector or suppliers, can still benefit from the association’s work with CITB. Whilst they will not receive any grant support, they can access relevant courses as the broader buying power we have means training taking place more regularly at competitive rates.
To find out more about CITB visit their website, and for further information on our work around training and qualifications please call 0121 380 4617, or email training@hae.org.uk.