*Guest content from the CITB
If you’re in construction, be it on the contracting or training side, the CITB Skills and Training Conferences are where you want to be.
Danny Clarke, CITB Engagement Director England, explains why joining the conferences in Cardiff or London should be amongst your resolutions for the new year:
- Get the pulse on 2025 training needs: We’re not just rehashing old training plans - this conference is all about what skills the industry actually needs for the year ahead. By attending, you’ll gain insights on emerging demands and opportunities across trades and roles, helping you get ahead with training that’s actually relevant.
- Updates, guidance and good old-fashioned advice: Our sessions range from updates from the BSR and how the Procurement Acts impact on you as contractors through to the future of construction and how to deliver social value through the supply chain. Amongst a range of guidance for smaller companies around HR, Health and safety and fire safety, there’s a session for people from across a range of functions.
- Actionable strategies, not just good ideas: We know ideas are nice, but action is better. Our agenda has a practical focus, so expect real-life strategies you can apply straight away to improve workforce skills, attract talent, and build a safer, more efficient team. Leave with clear, actionable steps rather than a notebook full of buzzwords.
- Funding clarity: Let’s be honest - navigating funding can be tricky. So, we’re cutting the jargon and providing a straight-up guide to accessing CITB’s grants and funding opportunities. Get tips and support from our team on how to make the most of the funding available, tailored to your business needs.
- Spotlight on future-proof skills (Cardiff): Tech is transforming construction at a rapid pace. We’ll look at what skills the future construction industry will need, so you’re not just meeting today’s requirements but also preparing for the next big industry shifts.
- Network with industry peers and pros: This isn’t just any conference - it’s a room filled with the best in the business. Networking sessions will give you the chance to meet contractors, providers and industry experts. Who knows - you might just bump into your next big client, partner, or your next big idea - or if you’re really lucky, me!
- Access to the CITB’s data and insights (the stuff not in the brochures): Get the latest stats, insights, and projections direct from the source. This data isn’t just fascinating; it’s foundational for anyone planning a robust strategy in today’s market. The CITB’s deep dives mean you’ll get valuable intel on labour trends, regional skills needs and the realities of retention and recruitment.
- Learn how to attract and retain a diverse workforce: Diversity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s the future of construction. With sessions on neurodiversity and mental health, we will cover how to create a workplace that’s welcoming, representative and built to thrive long-term. It’s good for business and great for industry progress.
- Because sitting still isn’t moving forward: In construction, if you’re not learning, you’re falling behind. The CITB’s conferences are your opportunity to get out of the day-to-day grind, see the bigger picture, and bring back insights that can inspire real change in your business.
Join us in Cardiff or London to be part of a thriving, forward-thinking construction community ready to tackle 2025 with skill, strategy and just the right amount of support you need.
Dates for your diary:
*Disclaimer: This blog post is guest content, which is independent of the FMB. Publication does not constitute endorsement or recommendation from the FMB.
Authors
Danny Clarke
With over 17 years of experience in the build and construction environment, as well as healthcare, Danny brings a wealth of management experience and board-level leadership spanning community initiatives, entrepreneurial start-ups and construction. His ability to drive progressive organisational change and commercial development underscores his commitment to delivering change, growth and the development of sustainable business cultures.
