The commission, set up and awarded in December 2022, will provide 10,500 Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) courses to front-line construction managers, site supervisors and site managers in England, Scotland and Wales.

CITB is providing over £10m in funding to support learners and reduce the cost of the qualification for Levy-registered employers by more than 90%. The qualification would normally cost employees up to £2,000, but CITB’s support reduces this to just £154 for the registration fee.

Candidates who complete the course will receive the ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management Practice for the Construction and Built Environment Sector qualification (City & Guilds), which is also one of the eligible qualifications needed for White (academically qualified person) CSCS card applications.

Participants can complete the courses in person or online and will achieve a recognised, transferable qualification by undertaking the courses, which include a pre-defined package of five modules that cover the core learnings needed to be a great leader.

Leadership and management training plays a crucial role on every construction site. The training not only fosters a safer working environment, but also improves employee retention and succession planning.

Deborah Madden, executive director for nations engagement, CITB, said: “Extending the commission is crucial to meet forecasted demand in the construction industry – our Construction Skills Network report found that we need over 6,000 new site managers and supervisors by 2028. The commission provides vital support for construction employers and their employees, making the training courses more accessible for smaller companies. 

“Employers that have pursued leadership and management training have seen improved staff retention and an increase in productivity and employee engagement. It should also be noted that the courses can be used as personal development for someone not quite ready to move into a supervisory role but is interested in this as part of their long-term career ambitions.”

Bea O’Loan, HSEQ coordinator, Jennings’ Building and Civil Engineering, said: “At present, I don’t manage my own team, but the content from the leadership and management course I undertook with the OM Group has definitely helped me to better prepare and understand the people side of construction.

“I learnt a lot about people management and being an influential leader rather than a micromanager. Prior to the course, I felt I had a good understanding of theoretical management concepts, but this training is what made it materialise into something relevant to my work. I really think it has prepared me for my career later down the line and aided me in helping Jennings’ business practices.”

John Shann, electrical manager, Kingstown Works Ltd, said: “The process of undertaking the C-ILM course was brilliant. The course content was really well delivered, streamlined and personalised. The training structure was highly versatile and suitable for all experience levels.

“I believe the skills and knowledge I’ve gained from the C-ILM training will contribute significantly to both my individual career growth and business success.”

Courses are available online or in person through two CITB training providers, The OM Group and MKC Training Services, offering flexible learning options across a variety of dates. Find out more about the full qualification, and the selected training providers, here.

Trainees taking up this offer must have a full-time contract of direct employment (PAYE) with a CITB-registered employer or be a Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) subcontractor to the employer. CITB funding for this training is open to all in-scope CITB registered employers who do not have any outstanding Levy submissions.

CITB offers two other construction-specific leadership and management training routes in addition to the commission, providing options and funding solutions to suit individual learning requirements and company needs. The two other options are ‘short course’ and ‘bespoke training’.