CITB Accredited Upskilling Courses

Thinking about a career in construction? Looking to recruit your next apprentice? The National Masonry Academy (NMA) is inviting aspiring apprentices, parents, careers advisers and employers to its Bricklaying Apprenticeship Taster Day on Wednesday 12th August at its purpose-built training facility on Kelham Island, Sheffield. The event is designed to give visitors a genuine insight into what a career in bricklaying can offer, while showcasing the Academy’s unique 14-month employer-led block release apprenticeship programme, which begins on 1st September. Whether you’re a school leaver looking for a rewarding career or an employer searching for a flexible, high-quality apprenticeship solution, this is the perfect opportunity to find out more. Visitors will have the chance to: Experience practical bricklaying activities. Meet our experienced industry trainers. Tour the National Masonry Academy’s training facilities. Learn about career opportunities and earning potential within the masonry

The UK Government has announced a major £1 billion investment aimed at helping 50,000 more young people access apprenticeships and high-quality training opportunities over the next three years, as part of a wider push to tackle youth unemployment and close skills gaps across key industries. The funding package forms part of the Government’s broader reforms to the apprenticeship and skills system, with ministers positioning apprenticeships as a central pillar of economic growth and social mobility. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to meet apprentices this week to highlight the Government’s ambition to overhaul vocational education and create clearer pathways into skilled employment for young people across the country. The reforms include fully funding apprenticeship training costs for eligible under-25s employed by smaller businesses by removing the existing 5% employer co-investment requirement. Ministers say the move will make it easier for

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