Partnership offers complete skills solution for welsh construction industry

CITB Wales, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to encourage more joined up working between Welsh Government, partners and employers, to provide a complete skills solution for the Welsh construction industry.

The signing took place at the Welsh Construction Skills Group (WCSG) meeting in Llandrindod Wells, and saw WCSG Chair, Robert Williams of the WRW Group, Laura Clarke of the CIOB, Mark Wusthoff of Bouygues UK and Chair of the CIOB Wales branch, and Wyn Prichard, Director of CITB Wales, come together to mark the new approach.

CITB Wales already has good working relationships with the CIOB and the MoU will formalise this work.  The objective of the MoU is to encourage joined up working and share action plans between organisations relating to the built environment across Wales, to share resources and expertise to the benefit of the construction industry as a whole. Areas that will be a focus of the CITB/ CIOB MoU include education, training and skills, and qualifications.

Wyn Prichard, Director of CITB Wales, said: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with CIOB in Wales, which will build on the joint working we are already with them. We are committed to working with the Welsh Government, employers and other bodies in Wales to ensure that we are providing the industry with the support and training they need to make sure that we have a fully skilled workforce so that we are in the best position possible for future economic growth.”

Bridget Bartlett, Chief Operating Officer at the CIOB, said: “This agreement signifies the strength of CIOB Wales/Cymru and CITB Cymru collaborative relationship in Wales.  With construction as a key priority sector in Wales, CIOB Wales has an opportunity to promote and support employers through training partnerships and members support. 

“Both organisations are committed to promoting best practice in the sector and the nature of this agreement will ensure that construction professionals in Wales have the appropriate level of support and development.”