The initiative intends to provide 1,680 Accelerated Apprenticeship starts across four years and has been created to generate more skilled workers in key trades, such as bricklaying, carpentry, and roofing. 

Initially, five Accelerated Apprenticeship programmes will be set up through education colleges and training providers, with another 15 programmes planned by mid-2029. These will be in locations where the housing demand is the highest, to ensure training provision is in line with local labour market needs. 

The programme brings in a new way of delivering apprenticeships, where trainees can complete their training in 14-18 months, rather than opting for the conventional two to three-year training period. This will be made possible through a model that includes the delivery of fast-track learning and on-site experience. 

By introducing fast-track apprenticeships, the programme aims to cut costs of delivering apprenticeships.

Phase one of the programme will focus on Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Kent, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire due to these regions strong levels of homebuilding and their recognised training gaps. 

The Accelerated Apprenticeships will be an addition to the a new National Construction Mayoral Network being formed by CITB, which is anticipated to launch later in the year. 

Through the apprenticeship scheme, the CITB intends to heighten the amount of people taking apprenticeships, increase completion rates and help to generate more skilled workers for the construction industry. 

The programme also delivers a faster and more flexible strategy for employers to move trainees onto full-time employment. 

Partnering colleges and training providers will be given initial funding of up to £33,625 per programme, from the CITB. 

The CITB will also give support from its New Entrant Support Team (NEST), helping employers recruit talent, access financial support, and deliver strong training.  

Tim Balcon, chief executive officer of CITB, said: “Meeting the scale of the UK’s housing need requires a step change in how we train people for construction careers. Accelerated Apprenticeships are a key part of that shift – helping more people gain the skills they need more quickly, and in the areas where they are most needed. Establishing regional Accelerated Apprenticeship programmes is a vital next step in developing our partnerships with mayoral and local authorities and is an example of the collaborative efforts that are required to address the skills shortage.
 
“But it’s not just about getting people through training faster. As an industry, we need to place greater focus on outcomes – ensuring that apprenticeships lead to sustained, high-quality employment. That’s how we build a workforce that is not only larger, but more resilient for the future.”