Latest news for TunnelSkills members

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1. A simpler way to access up to 70% funding for any training a Levy-registered business needs. You can now access up to 70% funded training for anything that supports your company. This could be trade-specific, or even digital skills, driver CPC training etc. The process is simplified because you don’t need to complete any paperwork to apply for funding, and the training is arranged by your local Employer Network, who will pay up to 70% of the cost of the training direct to the Training Provider. Find out more here: Employer Networks or contact Sam fto@tunnelskills.org

2. New qualification and training for tunnelling teams working with overground conveyor systems

TunnelSkills has developed a new competence qualification and associated training standard for those working with overground conveyor systems. The new ‘Overground Spoil Removal Conveyor Systems’ pathway is now available within the Level 2 NVQ in Tunnelling Operations. CITB Grant of £600 is available to CITB registered employers on achievement of the NVQ2. Recognising the need for training in this area, a new training course has also been developed and is available for delivery via approved training providers. CITB Grant is available to CITB registered employers on completion of the training course (Tier 1 Grant of £60).

For further details please contact fto@tunnelskills.org

3. CITB Short course grants CITB pay grants for the achievement of approved short courses, which last from 3 hours to 29 days. Short course grants are paid for the achievement of short duration courses which align to approved construction-related standards, or to approved standard titles where the standards are undergoing development. This includes plant training linked to any card scheme courses and the theory and practical elements of Construction Plant Competency Scheme (CPCS) technical tests. Further information, including eligibility requirements, is available here: https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-funding/short-course-grants/

4. CITB Skills and Training Fund For companies with fewer than 250 directly employed staff. The Skills and Training fund aims to help micro, small and medium-sized construction companies to deliver high quality learning and development experiences to employees, and can include management and leadership training, helping you unlock growth through new technology or introducing new skills to improve productivity in your business. Further information is available here: https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-funding/skills-and-training-fund/

5. Government incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice Employers and training providers could be eligible for £1,000 each if they hire an eligible apprentice:

• aged 16 to 18 years old
• under 25 with an education, health and care plan or who has been in the care of their local authority

Further information is available here: Incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

6. 'Travel to Train' - Apprenticeship Travel and Accommodation Funding CITB is widening the support offer for employers with apprentices who have to 'Travel to Train'. CITB will fund 80% of accommodation costs for eligible apprentices of grant eligible employers who attend colleges or training providers where overnight stays and travel to and from a hotel to a place of training, are required. Employers can also claim excess costs for apprentice travel where the cost exceeds £30 per week. Further information is available here: Travel to Train.

7. Talent Retention Scheme TRS The Construction Talent Retention Scheme (TRS) is supported by the Construction Leadership Council, CITB and a wide range of employers, industry bodies, professional institutions and construction unions. It is a free to use recruitment and talent management platform dedicated to supporting the attraction, development and retention of people and skills in the industry. Further information is available here: https://www.trs-system.co.uk/construction