Upskilling our workforce
We work closely with our members and the wider industry to secure funding, launch new initiatives and deliver projects that support home builders to address challenges in upskilling and developing the workforce to ensure we are future ready.
Trade masterclasses
11,000+ tradespeople upskilled
We launched the Brickwork Masterclasses in 2019 to address common issues found by NHBC inspection teams, and have subsequently developed Roofing Masterclasses.
Funded by CITB and developed in partnership with the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC), the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and NHBC, the sessions offer practical skills and knowledge.
Importantly, the sessions can either be delivered at home builders’ own sites to reduce disruption to the working day, or tradespeople can attend open sessions delivered at NHBC's training hubs.
Since its launch more than 1,200 sessions have been delivered, upskilling over 11,000 tradespeople.
Additional funded training opportunities
Heat pump and network courses
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a one-hour introductory foundation course (which is available to all) and an installation and maintenance course (designed to enhance technical knowledge and skills).
Free mental health and wellbeing training
We're supporting industry to break the stigma around mental health. As part of our campaign, we are offering free mental health and wellbeing training for home builders and the supply chain.
Live initiatives and pilot projects
Increasing apprentices in the supply chain
We’re working with CITB’s New Entrant Support Team (NEST) to increase numbers of apprentices in the home building industry’s supply chain. The Home Building Apprenticeship Support Pilot is being delivered with a number of home builders.
For more information, contact our team at skillspartnership@hbf.co.uk
CITB Home Building Sector Network Group
The Home Building Network sees CITB arrange subsidised training for home builders and the supply chain, without the need to claim a CITB grant.
Future Talent Group
The Future Talent Group is a membership group for new entrants and early talent in the sector, offering insight into, experience in, guidance on and opportunities in the home building industry.
Useful resources
Support employing an apprentice
CITB’s New Entrant Support (NEST) team works with home builders to take care of the process of recruiting an apprenticeship for you – including securing grants.
Home building short courses
Working with CITB, we developed 16 home building short duration courses which employers can use to ensure that the training their employees receive is delivered and assessed to a recognised standard.
T-Levels guidance
T-Levels are an alternative to A levels and apprenticeships for 16- to 19-year-olds in England, focusing on technical and practical skills and combining classroom learning and industry work placements.
CITB grants and funding
Registered home builders can receive funding and grants from CITB to cover a range of training, including short courses and apprenticeships.
Skills and Supply Chain Engagement Group
HBF members can help shape our work by joining our working groups and committees focused on addressing challenges in developing the workforce.
Apprenticeship guidance for employers in England
Apprentices can be existing or new employees. Read government's guidance on hiring an apprentice and securing funding for apprenticeships.