On Monday 23 March Government opened a consultation on proposals to merge the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) into a single, unified Industry Training Board (ITB). The consultation closes on Sunday 14 June 2026.
The new ITB would serve both the construction and engineering construction sectors, replacing the separate roles currently fulfilled by CITB and ECITB.
Purpose of the consultation
The aim is to create a single body better equipped to support employers and address the skills challenges facing the construction and engineering construction sectors.
The proposal sets out:
- The rationale for ITB reform, including the skills challenges it seeks to address.
- The proposed approach to ITB reform and the intended benefits of a single, unified ITB.
- Technical details of creating a single ITB, including implications for governance, levy arrangements, and training provision.
- Alternative approaches to ITB reform that were considered.
The consultation also seeks views on two potential areas for future reform:
- Whether further changes should be made to the employer activities covered by a single ITB.
- Whether the maximum period for an ITB Levy Order should be extended beyond three years.
Your voice. FIS is encourages members to respond
FIS will be consolidating response via our Skills Board. Members are encouraged to feed their views in and welcome to attend the next meeting to take part in deeper discussions.
In response to the launch of the consultation, FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana said:
“Since becoming a Prescribed Organisation nearly a decade ago, we have consistently raised concerns about the CITB levy and how it delivers for our community, for you. We welcome this consultation as an opportunity for our members to have their say on how we can rethink the future levies and the support the sector actually needs.
We encourage all members to review the proposals and respond. This is your platform and FIS is here to help raise your concerns and where possible, to bring change.
Your feedback will help ensure any reforms improve training, better target skills gaps, and support a workforce equipped for the evolving demands of the construction and engineering construction industries.”
The consultation comes at a critical time as workforce shortages and skills gaps continue to challenge the sector. FIS is inviting all members to take part to ensure the finishes and interiors sector is fully represented in shaping the future of the levy and training boards.
Details of the proposal, the consultation and how to respond can be found here: Industry Training Board reform – GOV.UK
Find out more about the FIS Skills Board