ECITB supporting projects through Regional Skills Hub funding
The ECITB is supporting Further Education institutes and training providers by awarding Regional Skills Hub funding to boost facilities in ‘Industrial Cluster’ hot spots and other major engineering construction industry (ECI) centres of activity which will be at the heart of the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.
To help meet the country’s net zero ambitions, as well as building new renewable and nuclear energy capacity, we must also ensure that our existing industries undergo substantive decarbonisation.
This will need many more skilled workers. We are looking to support projects focused on enhancing training and skills provision in the six major industrial cluster regions, as well as other major ECI projects within a defined geographical footprint.
In November 2023, the ECITB announced it will invest £1 million over two years to boost training provider capacity and grow new entrant numbers.
Grants of between £50,000 and £500,000 will be awarded to eligible projects that meet set criteria
‘Industrial Cluster’ regions are the Black Country, East Coast, north-west England, Scotland, South Wales and Solent
The ECITB wants to talk directly to training providers and their industry partners to discuss potential projects
Humber training provider was first recipient of project grant, being awarded £300,000 to upgrade its facilities
“The twin goals of energy security and net zero are mission-critical so we’re keen to work with clients, contractors and training providers in the industrial cluster regions to invest in growing the number of skilled engineers and craftspeople we need now and in the future. Without a pipeline of trained, skilled people, all this risks not being achieved.”
Andrew Hockey
ECITB Chief Executive
How to apply for Regional Skills Hub funding
The ECITB is keen to work with clients, contractors and training providers across the six major industrial cluster regions to invest in growing the number of skilled workers needed for major decarbonisation projects.
Initial contact should be made to either:
Andy Brown, Chief Operating Officer
David Nash, Director of Strategy and Policy
Set criteria for project grants
- Forecast capacity building should be at least 25% increase against current output.
- Projects will need to match ECITB grant funding from industry partners.
- Training and assessment activity must be delivered against recognised industry standards.
- Projects must feature a lead role for at least one ECITB-approved training provider.
The grants can be used to support either capital or operational expenditure
- Capital expenditure may include upgrading training equipment or facilities.
- Operational expenditure may include curriculum development, training for staff, industry secondments and engagement of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support training development.
Sign up for updates
Your information will be used to subscribe you to our e-newsletter.
For more information, please see our Privacy Notice.