The Construction Industry Training Board has been given a clean bill of health after the first stage of its five-yearly review.
The review, carried out by the Department for Education and Skills, gathered views from employers and trade unions across the construction industry.

The results show that the CITB is important in maintaining skills in the industry and that its programme of change has led to performance improvements.

The review also confirms that the CITB should continue to hold industry training board status, allowing it to set a levy and decide on the skills, needs and standards for the industry.

When questioned about the functions of the CITB, employers felt it was particularly good at attracting entrants to the industry.

Sir Michael Latham, the chairman of the CITB, said: "We welcome this report and are delighted that the review team … has found us to be playing such an important role and to enjoy the confidence of the industry."

  • The CITB has announced that £86.5m in training grants is available to construction companies for 2003/4, up 15% on last year.