The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today issued a statement responding to the recently published Government review, Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast.
Farmer, a previous speaker at BiKBBI’s annual conference, has once again highlighted critical issues facing the construction industry.
The review assesses the effectiveness of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). It aims to determine if these boards should continue to exist, and if so, in what form and function.
Key Findings:
- Need for Intervention: There is a continued need for external intervention in the skills and training system due to market failures in workforce investment.
- Workforce Challenges: Both sectors face significant challenges, including an ageing workforce, low productivity, and the need for new technical and regulatory standards.
- Current ITB Model: The existing ITB model is not delivering the required scale of impact. A fundamental reset is needed to address workforce resiliency and competency.
Strategic Recommendations:
- Retain and Transform ITBs: The ITB model should be retained but transformed with new strategic priorities focused on improving workforce competency, productivity, and retention.
- Merge CITB and ECITB: The two boards should be merged into a single body with a unified strategy and specialist sub-sector teams.
- New Strategic Objectives**: Focus on improving workforce competency, project-level productivity, and strategic workforce retention and utilisation.
Operational Recommendations:
- Levy-Grant System: Modernise and refocus the levy-grant system to support scalable and impactful training programs.
- Strategic Workforce Planning: Develop a digital, real-time strategic workforce planning and jobs brokerage platform.
- Competency and Training: Develop a national competency framework and digital skills passport system to ensure minimum workforce standards.
Governance and Accountability:
- Improved Governance: Establish clear governance and accountability mechanisms, including a new framework document and delegated authority letter.
- Efficiency Savings: Identify and implement efficiency savings in ITB operations and levy collection processes.
Conclusion:
The review concludes that a transformed ITB model is essential to address the critical workforce challenges facing the construction and engineering construction sectors. The proposed changes aim to create a more competent, productive, and resilient workforce capable of meeting future demands.
BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, expressed his continuing concern regarding the findings of the review, particularly the ongoing labour shortage that continues to plague the industry. “Despite numerous efforts and initiatives, our industry has yet to resolve the labour shortage issues that threaten our capacity to support future economic and industry growth,” said Walters. “The ageing workforce and the struggle to accommodate new entrants are significant challenges that require immediate and coordinated action.”
Walters went on to say: “There is no shortage of interest from the younger generation to take up a career in KBB installation, despite popular belief. There is a misconception that all youth want to do is become TikTok famous, but I can assure you that this is simply not the case. BiKBBI has engaged thousands of education leavers and there is a pipeline of talent waiting for an opportunity. The issue we have is that our part of the industry is dominated by micro-SME’s and these businesses either lack an appetite to take on an apprentice, or more importantly aren’t supported enough to do so. The Apprenticeship Levy and changes to how this can be spent may just unlock the potential, but the Government must stop nodding and start the process of change”.
The review’s recommendations for a radical overhaul of the Industry Training Board model is welcomed by BiKBBI, and the institute is committed to working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to implement these changes. “We must modernise our approach to training and workforce development to ensure we can meet the demands of the future,” Walters added.
BiKBBI remains dedicated to improving standards and efficiency within the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom installation sector and will continue to advocate for solutions that address the workforce challenges identified in the review.
The full version of Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer can be accessed- HERE.
