West Midlands

Contact your local adviser

Natalie Burd
Tel: 07780 819423
Email: Natalie.burd@citb.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-burd-aa2813136/

I joined CITB in April 2023 moving directly from a HR and Training background within the Construction Industry.

My main focus is ensuring that employers know about the full range of CITB grants and funding that are on offer and how this can help businesses grow and thrive. I also support the many construction stakeholders in the region through partnerships and relationship building.

What's happening in your area

There are monthly ‘1-2-1’ or group virtual events taking place allowing you to discuss your thoughts/enquiries. Please contact your adviser Natalie Burd (see above) to learn when the next one is or to book a time that is suitable for you.

Employer Networks

Employer Networks are an initiative set up and funded by CITB aiming to simplify the way you get the support and funding you need to access the training you want.

Talentview

Talentview Construction is for Employers looking for new talent:

• Showcase your business to talented new recruits
• Promote your training, apprenticeship and first job vacancies
• Search for suitable local candidates
• Make contact with schools, colleges and training providers

Construction Talent Retention Scheme

The Construction Leadership Council’s Talent Retention Scheme helps talented individuals showcase their experience and expertise while helping businesses find the skills they need.

Government incentive payments for hiring an apprentice

Incentive payments for employers who hired a new apprentice between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2021.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce is the leading regional business support agency for firms based within or doing business across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

We operate in a not-for-profit capacity and work hard for our members across the region’s business community.

Through our services and initiatives, we provide platforms and opportunities for businesses to grow, connect and become part of a thriving network which shines a spotlight on the amazing work local companies are doing and helps to make the Black Country a great place to do business.

Funding to help you grow

Midlands Engine Investment Fund 

Offers four different funding options to help your business grow, ranging from small business loans to fund start-ups, to later-stage equity investment that allows established businesses to continue growing.

See MEIF Website for details

WMCA – Commercial Investment Fund

The West Midlands Combined Authority Commercial Investment Fund (WMCA CIF) supports the acceleration of commercial property developments within the West Midlands area. It is a revolving fund that aims to underpin the region’s long term growth and stability. Created by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) the fund is open to property developers within the WMCA geography, including the Black Country. Eligible projects include: commercial, light industrial and residential regeneration opportunities (residential as part of a mixed scheme), with investments from £1m to £7m.

See Frontier Development Capital website for detail

Heritage Enterprise

Heritage Lottery Fund supports all kinds of projects, as long as they make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities. Their funding is used to record the diverse stories of your community, breathe new life into a historic park, create vibrant town centres, and much more.

A range of different grant programmes is available with grants from £3,000 to over £5million.

See Heritage Fund website for details

Training groups in your area

There are two training groups at present for the Black Country:

Midlands Construction Training Group

Area coverage: Construction Employers based in the Midlands
Key contact: Debbie Westwood

Tel: 07748 300796
Emai:  debbiewestwood1@outlook.com

Midlands Roof Training Group 

Group Training Officer: Paul Harper

Tel: 07968 505161
Email: paul@midlandrooftraining.co.uk

Training Groups receive funding from CITB to support levy registered employers identify and access high-quality cost-effective training. They provide advice and guidance on mandatory and skill specific training, offer support to plan training needs, and help employers access high quality and cost-effective Approved Training Organisations.

• Cost effective training
• Ease of identifying training
• Time and resource saving for employers
• Advice, guidance, and support
• Future planning
• Networking
• Provide help to give small and micro employers a voice to CITB and wider industry

Contact your CITB customer engagement adviser

Phil Warwick
Tel: 07776 226051
Email: Phil.Warwick@citb.co.uk
Twitter: @PhilWarwick4
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/phil-warwick-4b6a8930

I started my career in construction as a trainee consultant engineer where I soon became one of the leads on designing the electrical schematics for new builds for the Burton Group.

I changed careers in the 1990s and entered the world of advice and guidance. The last 20 or so years have then been primarily in this field working across a variety of environments including DWP, schools, colleges and training providers.

I then chose to re-engage with the construction industry and utilise my skills in this area as well as my advice and guidance skills to become the CITB Adviser for Coventry & Warwickshire.

What's happening in your area

There are monthly ‘1-2-1’ or group virtual events taking place allowing you to discuss your thoughts/enquiries. Please contact your adviser Phil Warwick (see below) to learn when the next one is or to book a time that is suitable for you.

Employer Networks

Employer Networks are an initiative set up and funded by CITB aiming to simplify the way you get the support and funding you need to access the training you want.

Support to grow your business

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub
                                                                      
Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub is a government supported organisation, which offers one-to-one advice and ongoing support to businesses in the region. Providing a ‘front-door’ to the vast range of business support initiatives and programmes on offer locally and nationally, the experienced team of business advisers work closely with local SMEs to identify the best resources for each business and, since launching in 2014, it has helped thousands of Coventry and Warwickshire businesses https://www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk/

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is a local hub for businesses to access a broad offer of business support.

It is one of 53 accredited Chambers of Commerce in the UK and together makes up a strong network of trusted champions of businesses, places and global trade.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is uniquely placed to help businesses of every size and sector ranging from micro one-person businesses to the largest of employers.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Financial support and services

Business finance and funding through Coventry City Council

www.coventry.gov.uk/info/1287/business_finance_and_funding

Warwickshire County Council and Other Business Loan & Grant Programmes

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/businessgrants

Training groups in area

There are no training groups specifically for the Coventry and Warwickshire area. You may want to contact a nearby group.

Midlands Construction Training Group

Area coverage: Construction employers based in the Midlands
Key contact: Debbie Westwood
Tel: 07748 300796
Email:  DebbieWestwood1@outlook.com
Website: www.mctg.co.uk

Contact your CITB customer engagement adviser

Jenny Samuels
Tel: 07557 172424
Email: jenny.samuels@citb.co.uk

What's happening in your area

Employer Networks

Employer Networks are an initiative set up and funded by CITB aiming to simplify the way you get the support and funding you need to access the training you want.

Support to grow your business

Talent View

Talent View Construction is for Employers looking for new talent:

• Showcase your business to talented new recruits
• Promote your training, apprenticeship and first job vacancies
• Search for suitable local candidates
• Make contact with schools, colleges and training providers

Construction Talent Retention Scheme

The Construction Leadership Council’s Talent Retention Scheme helps talented individuals showcase their experience and expertise while helping businesses find the skills they need.

Greater Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub

Greater Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub can help advise on funding, finance and support available locally and can work with you to develop your business and your staff and realise your growth ambitions. The Growth Hub has information on funding available at all stages of your business development. You can use the online service to do an initial finance search and you can arrange to speak to a business adviser.

www.gbslepgrowthhub.co.uk/business-advice

Solihull for Success

Solihull for Success is a business support service for businesses looking to locate, start up and grow in Solihull.

www.solihullforsuccess.com/Business-and-Investment-Home

Support includes:

• Start Up Businesses – for the latest support and information, contact our Enterprise for Success advisers.
• Business Growth Programme 2 Grant Schemes.
• Property Investment Programme (PIP) Grant Scheme: to encourage the improvement and development of key vacant, derelict or underused properties and sites for economic use, the grant programme will operate in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) area.
• ART Business Loans: A Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) which provides business loans of between £10,000 and £150,000 to businesses and social enterprises in the West Midlands that are unable to receive their full funding requirements from their bank.
• Venture Capital/Business Angel Networks: There are a range of options within the West Midlands that specialise in finance for both early stage and established businesses.

Workwise travel support gives jobseekers a helping hand with travel costs, offering 50% off bus, train and tram travel passes for up to 12 weeks.

This offer is available to jobseekers who live in, or are registered with, a Jobcentre in the West Midlands to overcome travel barriers.

Further information: workwise.networkwestmidlands.com

This is external support which Construction companies can access in addition to CITB support – please note a few lines and a web link to direct them to the partners’ relevant page.

www.solihullforsuccess.com/Business-and-Investment-Home

Financial support and services to help you recruit and train staff

The Growth Hub has information on funding available at all stages of your business development. You can use the online service to do an initial finance search and you can arrange to speak to a business adviser.

www.gbslepgrowthhub.co.uk/business-advice

Training groups in area

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Construction Training Group

Area coverage: Construction employers based in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Key contact: Karen Whitehouse (Karen.Whitehouse@live.co.uk)
Chair of the group: Laurence Speller (Laurence.Speller@spellermetcalfe.com)
Website: www.hwctg.co.uk

Hire Train

Area coverage: Plant hire companies across the UK
Chair of the group: Graham Arundale (Graham.Arundell@hae.org.uk)
Website: www.hae.org.uk

Midlands Construction Training Group

Area coverage: Construction employers based in the Midlands
Key contact: Debbie Westwood (DebbieWestwood1@outlook.com)
Chair of the group: Mark Eustace (Mark.Eustace@jessopbrothers.co.uk)
Website: www.mctg.co.uk

Dates of forthcoming events and employer drop-in sessions

Working Well Together (WWT) was set up as a joint industry/HSE initiative to help the industry improve its health and safety performance – particularly among the smaller construction businesses. WWT offers training days focussed on health and safety. Many of the events are free. In the West Midlands the active WWT groups are Birmingham, Worcestershire and Herefordshire and Staffordshire and Shropshire. To see the list of planned events and find out more about WWT go to wwt.uk.com/content/Home.aspx.

Employer success stories

An interior fit-out specialist business in Bromsgrove identified a skills gap within their workforce in the area of Temporary Works and Site Safety.

With one Temporary Works Co-Ordinator for the company covering their active sites across the country, there was a need to increase capacity to better utilise employees' time, reduce travel time for individuals and reduce strain. The business also planned to train employees in carrying out internal site audits to support the site foreman and contracts managers with Site Health & Safety and setup.

Training up staff as a temporary works co-ordinator and introducing extra capacity of Temporary Works Co-Ordinators in the business would allow not only a reduction in the environmental impact but an improvement in the mental health of the workforce. This would also make the company work more efficiently and safely.

The total cost of the training was £7374. CITB approved funding of £5000 towards the training. The business would also be able to claim the grant available on the courses of £1170, reducing the businesses own direct outlay to £1204.

Contact your local customer engagement adviser

Patricia Hicks
Tel: 07818529563
Email:  patricia.hicks@citb.co.uk
Twitter: @PatriciaCITB
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-hicks-deane-mciob-07861567/

Prior to my role in CITB I worked for two major contractors in the UK construction industry. I spent 11 years working on construction sites, starting as a Graduate Construction Supervisor, and then working as a Construction Manager and Assistant Project Manager. I am also a member of the Chartered Institute of Building.

During my time on site, I learned that the construction industry is a fabulous industry to work in. My role at CITB allows me to support the industry today but also allows me to help build the industry for the future.

I have currently been working for CITB for 6 years.

Support to grow your business

Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub

For other business support in the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire area please contact the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce believes that they can help all the people of Staffordshire be more prosperous and have more opportunities, by helping business through membership of the Chambers, to be successful and together make a difference.

Staffordshire Business & Environment Network (SBEN)

The Staffordshire Business and Environment Network aim to raise awareness, train employees and provide you with the tools to implement environmental initiatives within your own business and make the necessary changes for continuous improvement.

Financial support and services to help you recruit and train Staff

Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub

The Skills Hub is a unique project part-funded by the European Social Funding (ESF) which is designed around offering a brokerage service for all local based employers to find out about training and funding in the area.

Training groups

Staffordshire Construction Training Group

SCTL is a ‘not for profit’ members group that is for CITB registered construction companies that are based in Staffordshire. The current membership fee is a one-off fee of £80.00 (subject to review).

The benefits of membership include: -

• Quality discounted training for approved CITB standardised courses and non CITB courses.
• As an authorised ATO, we generate the CITB Tier grants automatically on your behalf
• We do all the leg work and organise the training for you – all it takes from you is just one phone call. We can even source specialist courses if you need them.
• All our trainers are site experienced and understand the day-to-day issues of working on site. We talk your language.
• Training can often be arranged at short notice or even on Saturdays if required.
• We hold regular meetings for Members providing excellent networking opportunities and industry news and updates.
• We work closely with your local CITB representative to provide additional support if needed.
• We provide additional services on request such as Health & Safety site audits, construction contract and payment advice or even PAT Testing. Where we can help, we will and if we can’t, we’ll know a person or company who can.
• Help and support with CITB skills and training fund applications.

To learn more about the benefits of Membership, contact Mike Askey on mobile: 07918145248 or email mike@sctlgroup.com

Employer success stories

Traction Equipment Limited is a plant hire business based in Stafford that employs 16 people.  The company’s director Peter Jennings believes strongly in training and developing his staff, and the business actively claims CITB grant support for the training it carries out. 

As part of the business’s longer-term development, Peter has also looked at the CITB Skills and Training Fund to address specific skills related issues, and the company has been successful in securing Skills and Training Fund money in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The company is also an active member of the Staffordshire Construction Training Group, which is funded by CITB.  Peter attends the training groups’ quarterly meetings and is very involved in organising any events that the group hold.  This year the group are hosting a work experience programme for schools across the Staffordshire County.

Peter is very passionate about encouraging younger people into the industry and has recently become a CITB Construction Ambassador.  In his role as an ambassador Peter attends events at local schools where he talks to students about different roles in the industry, focusing on job roles that can be found both within his business and the wider industry in Staffordshire.  He spends time with each student and talks to them about the application process as well as what would be expected from them if they came to work at Traction Equipment.

Contact your CITB customer engagement adviser

Trevor Oakley
Tel: 07827 358406
Email:  trevor.oakley@citb.co.uk
Twitter: @Trevor_O_CITB
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-oakley-318093105

My passion for construction began at an early age. I grew up on a farm and built my first brick wall at age 15. My career pathway started as an Agricultural Apprentice but on completion, decided to leave the milking of cows behind and follow my passion for wood and train as a Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Antique Restorer.

Having run my own business and passed on my skills through teaching I became very poorly and had to look at a career change. I became involved with Apprenticeships and Careers Guidance but finally, my opportunity to reconnect with the construction industry presented itself by way of the CITB Marches and Worcestershire Adviser role.

Support to grow your business

A unique area consisting of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, the Marches is part of the Midlands and officially one of the most enterprising regions in the UK.

The Marches Growth Hub 

Your gateway to business support in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin

​The Marches Growth Hub offers a single point of access to information and guidance on business grants, loans, support and advice available to enterprises across the region, regardless of sector or size of development.

• The Marches Growth Hub - Herefordshire
• The Marches Growth Hub - Shropshire
• The Marches Growth Hub - Telford & Wrekin

The Marches LEP

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership works with the business community to eliminate barriers to growth and identify opportunities for development.

Chamber of Commerce

• Chamber of Commerce - Herefordshire
• Chamber of Commerce - Shropshire

Help to grow

Take your business to the next level with Help to Grow – two complementary programmes designed to help you learn new skills, reach more customers and boost your profits.

Financial support and services to help you recruit and train Staff

Talent View

Talent View Construction is for Employers looking for new talent:

• Showcase your business to talented new recruits
• Promote your training, apprenticeship and first job vacancies
• Search for suitable local candidates
• Make contact with schools, colleges and training providers

Construction Talent Retention Scheme

The Construction Leadership Council’s Talent Retention Scheme helps talented individuals showcase their experience and expertise while helping businesses find the skills they need.

Construction Support Partnership

Construction Support Partnership (CSP) will work with you the employer to Attract, Train and Retain your workforce. Contact Landau today to find how we can support your business. 

Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF)

Midlands Engine Investment Fund offers small business loans of between £25,000 and £150,000.

Training groups

Training Groups receive funding from CITB to support levy registered employers identify and access high-quality cost-effective training. They provide advice and guidance on mandatory and skill specific training, offer support to plan training needs, and help employers access high quality and cost-effective Approved Training Organisations.

• Cost effective training
• Ease of identifying training
• Time and resource saving for employers
• Advice, guidance, and support
• Future planning
• Networking
• Provide help to give small and micro employers a voice to CITB and wider industry

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Construction Training Group

This group supports construction employers based in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

• Contact Karen Whitehouse by emailing karen.whitehouse@live.co.uk.
• Contact the Chair of the group Laurence Speller by emailing Laurence.speller@spellermetcalfe.com.

Shropshire Construction Training Group

This group supports construction employers based in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Contact Debbie Westwood by emailing debbiewestwood1@outlook.com.

Contact the Chair of the group Colin Kemshead by emailing colin@foundation-piling.co.uk.

Contact your CITB customer engagement adviser

Sam Elford

Tel: 07824 434170
Email: Sam.Elford@citb.co.uk

I have been with CITB for many years now. I started my CITB career as an Apprenticeship Officer for and then became a Customer Engagement Adviser for the South Birmingham and Worcestershire areas.

My role is to support the industry as it is today and to also help address the skills gap so that the industry is supported for the future.

Support to grow your business

Worcestershire Growth Hub

The Worcestershire Business Central Growth Hub core aim is to support high growth SMEs to further grow and develop. The support helps businesses to develop their internal capability in order to improve their productivity, grow and create jobs. The Growth Hub acts as a Business Champion and supports more and more Worcestershire businesses to grow and succeed each year.

Contact:

• Tel: 01905 677 888
• Email: info@business-central.co.uk

The Worcestershire LEP

The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership is responsible for creating and delivering economic growth and jobs in the County, through a partnership approach with business, local government, the third sector and higher and further education working together with a common, shared purpose.

Contact:

• Tel: 01905 672 700
• Email: enquiries@wlep.co.uk

Chamber of Commerce

• Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Help to grow

Take your business to the next level with Help to Grow – two complementary programmes designed to help you learn new skills, reach more customers and boost your profits.

Financial support and services to help you recruit and train Staff

Grants and funding

Grants and funding are available from Worcestershire Apprenticeships. 

Talent View

Talent View Construction for Employers looking for new talent:

• Showcase your business to talented new recruits
• Promote your training, apprenticeship and first job vacancies
• Search for suitable local candidates
• Make contact with schools, colleges and training providers

Construction Talent Retention Scheme

The Construction Leadership Council’s Talent Retention Scheme helps talented individuals showcase their experience and expertise while helping businesses find the skills they need.

Government incentive payments for hiring an apprentice

Incentive payments for employers who hired a new apprentice between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2021.

Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF)

Midlands Engine Investment Fund offers small business loans of between £25,000 and £150,000.

Training groups in area

Training Groups receive funding from CITB to support levy registered employers to identify and access high-quality cost-effective training. They provide advice and guidance on mandatory and skill specific training, offer support to plan training needs, and help employers access high quality and cost-effective Approved Training Organisations.

• Cost effective training
• Ease of identifying training
• Time and resource saving for employers
• Advice, guidance, and support
• Future planning
• Networking
• Provide help to give small and micro employers a voice to CITB and wider industry

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Construction Training Group

This group supports construction employers based in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

• Key Contact: Karen Whitehouse
• Chair of the group: Laurence Speller