CITB Funding Withdrawal Marks Turning Point for Roofing Training Sector

The end of March marks a significant shift in the roofing training landscape, as the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) officially withdraws funding from training groups across the sector. 

The CITB first announced it was withdrawing funding for roof training groups in November last year.

In response, roof training groups say they are investigating options to continue operations to guide companies to competence.

In 2024, eight roofing training groups operating across England and Wales benefited from CITB funding. These groups played a key role in underpinning training efforts, helping roofing businesses access resources, develop skills, and maintain industry standards.

The withdrawal of financial support is expected to have a considerable impact on how training is delivered within the roofing sector, raising questions about future provision and support for companies navigating skills development.

Turning Point for Roofing Training

Denise Cherry, NRTG Chair

National Roof Training Group Chair, Denise Cherry, warned that the withdrawal would have wide-reaching consequences for the industry.

“Our groups have contributed extensively to expanding roof training across the country, supporting the set-up of new training centres, delivering training, and promoting apprenticeships and new entrant courses,” said Denise.

“The loss of CITB funding will have a significant effect on the amount of roof training delivered, especially when considered alongside CITB’s closure of the Skills and Training Fund and the newly imposed limitations on funding for SMEs short courses.”

Figures obtained through a recent Freedom of Information request highlighted the impact of training group activity in recent years. Grant claims from roofing companies rose significantly, increasing from £2,480,376 in 2022 and £3.905,105 in 2023, to £4,273,911 in 2024.

The latest available data shows CITB claimed £11,928,723.00 in levy from roofing companies in 2024 – almost £8 million more than CITB spent on funding roof training.

Roof training groups say they are now assessing the implications of the changes, and alternative delivery models to continue their support across the industry.

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