CITB Accredited Upskilling Courses

The National Masonry Academy is proud to announce that it is now part of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Training Provider Network — a significant milestone that strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality training across the masonry sector. Joining the CITB Training Provider Network means that the National Masonry Academy has met rigorous standards for training delivery, quality assurance, and industry relevance. This recognition ensures that our programmes are aligned with the evolving needs of the construction industry and that learners receive training that meets nationally recognised benchmarks. What This Means for Learners and Employers Being part of the CITB network brings a range of benefits: Recognised Quality TrainingAll courses delivered by the Academy are assured to meet CITB standards, giving learners and employers confidence in the quality of training provided. Access to Funding OpportunitiesEmployers who are registered with

The National Masonry Academy (NMA) has announced a major expansion of the Visqueen Registered Installer Scheme, making the programme achievable on live construction sites across the UK for the first time. Previously, the scheme was only available at dedicated training academies, limiting access for many operatives and contractors. With this new rollout, NMA is bringing the training directly to where it’s needed most — on active sites — helping to raise standards, improve compliance, and support the professional development of installers nationwide. The Visqueen Registered Installer Scheme is designed to ensure that damp proofing systems are installed correctly and in line with manufacturer guidance and industry best practice. By moving beyond classroom-based delivery, NMA is removing barriers to participation and making high-quality training more practical and scalable. This site-based expansion means: More installers can be trained without leaving projects Employers

The National Masonry Academy has marked a major milestone with the successful delivery of its very first Fine Art Brickwork Course, led by renowned master craftsman Mark Rosier – and by all accounts, it was an outstanding success. Held over two intensive days, the course brought together a group of highly skilled, professional bricklayers who were united by one thing: a genuine passion for the craft and a desire to push their abilities further. Every delegate attended not just to refine their technique, but to deepen their understanding of brickwork as an art form – opening new horizons for specialist work, restoration projects, and high-end architectural features. The Fine Art Brickwork course is designed specifically for experienced tradespeople who want to elevate their craftsmanship. Under Mark Rosier’s expert guidance, learners explored the geometry, precision, and traditional methods that underpin high-quality

The CITB has today confirmed a major overhaul of its funding and grant system, including significant cuts, a move likely to ripple across the UK construction sector. The changes, to take effect from early 2026, represent one of the most wide-ranging shifts in recent memory, and come as a blow to many training providers and employers relying on CITB support.  CITB says the decision is driven by a sharp increase in demand for training support: over the past four years, demand for its services has risen by some 36 per cent. But, crucially, the levy that funds the grants has not increased in the same period. As a result, CITB warns that continuing under the current model would eventually mean demand outstripping levy income, threatening to undermine support to employers across the board. According to CITB’s chief executive, the changes

New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that almost one in eight young people aged 16–24 in the UK are currently classified as NEET — not in education, employment, or training. Key Statistics: From January to March 2025, 12.5% of 16–24-year-olds were NEET, down slightly from a year earlier. That equates to approximately 923,000 young people, though the number remains very high. Among this group, 354,000 are unemployed and actively seeking work, while 569,000 are economically inactive. Gender breakdown shows 13.2% of young men and 11.7% of young women are NEET. Why This Matters to the Masonry Academy These figures underline a critical challenge — but also a major opportunity — for the National Masonry Academy. With a significant number of young people disconnected from education and work, our mission to provide high-quality, industry-relevant training has never

It was a moment of promise and purpose when Mayor Richard Parker stood at Dudley College, trowel in hand, to unveil a bold new vision: a £75 million skills package to train more than 12,000 people over the next three years across the West Midlands, closing the widening gap in construction labour and empowering a new generation of tradespeople. This is not just a headline. For the masonry sector—and for all those passionate about building with craft, quality, and longevity—this is an invitation. Building Against the Tide of Demand Across the West Midlands, the forecast is stark: to sustain ambitious growth, the region needs an additional 4,000 construction workers each year. This surge is driven by large-scale programmes underway and ahead: A target of 12,200 new homes per year across the region. A £2.4 billion transport and infrastructure pipeline. A