The ECITB hosted the second virtual National Forum on Wednesday, 23rd February 2022.
The online event for employers, training providers and other key stakeholders provided an opportunity to review 2021 and set out the ECITB’s plans and priorities for the year ahead.
WATCH THE NATIONAL FORUM 2022 HERE
Chris Claydon, ECITB Chief Executive, said: “Thanks to all who joined us for the session, which provided a great opportunity to take stock of where we are and set out the ECITB’s direction of travel as we approach a period of real challenge and opportunity for the engineering construction industry.
“It was important for me to highlight the challenge the ECITB faces in balancing the rising demand for training with reduced levy income due to the pandemic. Last year, demand for grants exceeded our forecast spend best richard mille knock off, while we are forecasting for levy revenues to have fallen by 7% (c.£2m). We spent over £26m on training during 2021, with demand outstripping our initial forecasts by £3.1m, and so the Board sanctioned additional budget from reserves to support industry.
“In anticipation of high grant demand again this year, we will need to prioritise funding. Consequently, we have taken the decision to revert apprentice grant phasing to 2019 phasing and reduce the graduate grant by 33%. Note, this will not affect pre-existing commitments and will only apply to commencements from 2022 (instalment payments of £2000, £2000, £4000). The overall value of the apprentice grant will be kept under review.
“While we appreciate these decisions may not be welcomed by some employers, it is vital that the ECITB is able to support the full range of training required by industry, as well as invest in priority areas such as preparing the workforce for net zero and pump-priming talent through our scholarship programme.
“I look forward to continuing our dialogue with industry on how we can best support your training needs this year and over the course of the next strategy period.”
You can watch the full event above and slides from the presentations are available to download below.
In addition, the 2021 Customer Satisfaction and Stakeholder Survey summary report is available to download below.