Roof Training Groups Face Closure After CITB Funding Ends

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) announced on 24 November 2025 that it will cease all funding for roof training groups from March next year. The decision, communicated by Executive Director Deborah Madden and in an accompanying email statement, reflects what CITB calls a need to “evolve our offer.”

According to CITB, “newer models—such as Employer Networks and the New Entrant Support Team—are proving far more effective at reaching and engaging businesses across the industry.”

CITB adds, “We will be developing a new model to support specialist sectors with upskilling – this was a key recommendation from the Industry Funding Committee.”

Roof Training Groups Under Threat

Roof training groups, however, strongly contest the claim. Many groups have consistently exceeded CITB targets for completed training in their regions. They argue that Employer Networks and CITB staff are slow to respond to funding requests and poor at communicating decisions.

Members say that CITB now operates largely reactively and has become overwhelmed by requests to fund basic short courses promoted by training providers—very different from the strategic, sector-focused support delivered by the roof training groups.

The funding that sustains these groups—£35,000 per year per group, covering the cost of a part-time Group Training Officer—will end on 31 March 2026. CITB says it plans to develop a new model to support specialist sectors with upskilling, though it has provided no details or timeline.

CITB Levy Payers React

At the North West Roof Training Group (NWRTG) Annual General Meeting on 26 November 2025, members reacted with shock. Geoff Taylor of Saxon Contracting said he was “gutted to hear the news,” and all members present expressed their determination to ensure the group’s survival because of its crucial role in meeting their training needs.

Members discussed self-funding the group’s continuation. Despite the fact that all businesses present are CITB levy payers, they indicated they were prepared to cover the cost themselves if necessary once CITB withdraws support.

One member commented, “It’s not just invaluable training advice that we get from the NWRTG; it’s someone who knows what training is available locally, can suggest alternatives, and can get us onto courses quickly. If we need someone on an SMSTS refresher course fast, we ring Sue at NWRTG and she gets it sorted. We don’t have that resource internally—her support is priceless.”

The Value of Training Groups

Under the leadership of Group Training Officer Sue Wharton, NWRTG has helped establish roof slating and tiling apprenticeship training at Preston College and supported flat and pitched roofing apprenticeship programmes at SIMIAN in Warrington and Bolton College. The group has also created initiatives such as the North West Roofing Apprentice of the Year competition, promoted roofing careers in schools, and provided apprenticeship matching for individuals and employers.

Other groups—including the Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group (YIRTG) led by Denise Cherry and the Wales National Roofing Training Group led by Lesley Hughes—offer similarly proactive and sector-specific support.

Devastated

NWRTG’s Sue Wharton said, “We are devastated to learn CITB is ending our funding. It’s not unexpected since the Employer Networks were developed, but the concern is that the Networks cannot match the proactive and comprehensive approach we deliver. They don’t know the sector, and CITB staff often lack the regional knowledge and industry contacts needed. They’re not aware of which courses provide genuine quality training and which are simply money-making opportunities.”

“As a training group, we speak directly with businesses, develop their training strategies, then help put them into practice. We guide them on what training is required, where it’s available, and how it can be funded—then we organise it. If the roof training groups close, the industry will be worse off.”

Disappointing

Denise Cherry, Group Training Officer at YIRTG added, “This is a disappointing decision taken by CITB, but I remain confident that some roof training groups will continue with support from their member companies and others who recognise and respect the valuable contributions that groups make across the roofing industry.

“CITB are looking at options to support specialist trades and I am hopeful that this initiative will go some way towards filling the giant hole that a total loss of regional roof training groups would cause.”

NWRTG AGM

The AGM brought together members for a morning of expert information and guidance.

• Nasar Ishfaq, Partner at R5 Consultants, outlined how the Building Safety Act affects roofing contractors and is reshaping planning and project supply chains, including the role of the Building Safety Regulator and requirements for higher-risk buildings (HRBs).
• Sarah Collier, Partner at Bermans, briefed members on upcoming changes to employment law and the need to update their policies.
• Sue Wharton provided an update on new developments at Preston College, including short-course cladding training.
• Zach Wilkinson, Assistant Director at Preston College, shared plans to create a dedicated construction department and develop a roofing centre of excellence next year. He highlighted their 92% apprenticeship success rate and invited members to visit.
• Dave Rowlands from CITB addressed the meeting, insisting that CITB is responsive to employers’ needs and encouraging members to make greater use of the online grant portal.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on CITB’s funding withdrawal and potential strategies to ensure the NWRTG continues. Members agreed to reconvene in January 2026 to develop a plan.

>>Read more about the roof training groups in the news