The figures show that NEST supported 4,128 apprenticeship starts in the financial year 2024-25, an increase from 2,340 the previous year.

NEST helps make finding, recruiting and retaining an apprentice or new entrant easier for employers, and works closely with them to remove any barriers they may face employing and retaining new entrants, particularly apprentices.

As part of the UK Government’s £600 million investment into construction skills, CITB will invest £32m to fund over 40,000 industry placements each year for all Level 2 and Level 3 learners, those studying NVQs, BTECs, T Levels and advanced apprenticeships. CITB will also double the size of its New Entrant Support Team (NEST) programme to support SMEs in recruiting, engaging, and retaining apprentices.

It is the second funding package CITB has worked on alongside the government in recent months, having also announced a £40m investment in Homebuilding Skills Hubs to deliver fast-track apprenticeships.

Additionally, as part of CITB’s Strategic Plan 2025-29, CITB is investing over £550m to attract new entrants into the construction industry, providing support through NEST.

The funding will support the Government’s homebuilding target of 1.5 million new homes and help deliver the 150 major infrastructure projects the government intends to approve across this Parliament.

Deb Madden, executive director for Nations Engagement at CITB, said: “A strong pipeline of apprentices and construction workers is required to build the millions of homes and hundreds of infrastructure projects needed. The significant support employers receive through NEST is essential. We’re really pleased to see how well the team has performed in the last year, and we endeavour to continue this growth.

“NEST is all about giving employers access to hands-on, free support to help them with their apprentice recruitment and retention needs.

“Our recent investment partnerships alongside the government will help to continue the good work of NEST by removing barriers for employers, particularly small businesses, and support them to recruit and retain new entrants.”