CITB Accredited Upskilling Courses

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

The National Masonry Academy (NMA) has announced it will provide free Visqueen Registered Installer training for tutors, strengthening industry expertise and ensuring the next generation of masonry professionals are equipped with best-practice knowledge. Visqueen, the UK’s leading manufacturer of structural waterproofing and damp-proofing systems, operates the Registered Installer scheme to promote correct specification and installation of critical products across construction. By extending this training to Academy tutors, the initiative guarantees that learners entering the sector receive instruction aligned with the highest industry standards. Building Tutor Capacity for Industry Excellence The free training package will give tutors: Comprehensive knowledge of Visqueen product systems used on the majority of UK construction sites Practical insight into correct installation techniques Ongoing technical support and updates This development ensures that learners at the National Masonry Academy benefit from up-to-date, manufacturer-approved training, directly supporting quality assurance

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is streamlining its grant and funding system—here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and what employers should do next. 1. Closure of the Skills & Training Fund (30 September 2025) CITB is simplifying how financial support is accessed. The current overlap between Employer Networks (ENs) and the Skills & Training (S&T) Fund has caused confusion, so from 30 September 2025, the S&T Fund will close, and Employer Networks will become the single route for training support. Any applications already approved will be honoured, but new applications will follow payment-on-completion terms. 2. New Online Grant Portal (Launching 24 September 2025) To modernise access to funding, CITB is launching a new online services platform on 24 September 2025. Through this portal, employers can: Apply for Apprenticeship and Qualification grants online Track their application status Manage account access

Across UK construction sites, the message is becoming clear: poor damp proof course (DPC) installation is holding back quality housing delivery — and costing the industry dearly. The NHBC consistently cites DPC installation as the number one snag identified during key-stage inspections on new build homes. And yet, despite this long-standing issue, the construction sector continues to treat DPC as an afterthought — rushed, overlooked, and too often installed incorrectly. It’s time that changed.   The Foundation of Quality   DPCs are critical to building performance. They stop rising damp, protect the structure, and form part of the moisture management strategy that every home depends on. Get it wrong, and you don’t just risk callbacks — you compromise the quality, longevity and liveability of the building itself. With DPC products installed on 100% of UK sites, this isn’t a niche

We’re pleased to announce that the National Masonry Academy is now part of the CITB Employer Networks, a major step forward in making high-quality training even more accessible to the masonry and wider construction sector. As part of this initiative, CITB levy-paying employers can now access training through the Academy with 70% of the cost funded—and best of all, there’s no paperwork required. Easy Access. Minimal Admin. Maximum Impact. Our inclusion in the Employer Network means training is now simpler and more cost-effective than ever. Whether you’re looking to upskill your team, bring in new apprentices, or meet compliance requirements, the funding process is streamlined so you can focus on what matters—building skills and growing your business. Key Benefits for CITB Levy-Payers: ✅ 70% funding available on eligible training ✅ No paperwork – funding is applied automatically ✅ Quick and