A fortnight ago, 1400 apprentices across Great Britain were affected when the construction firm Carillion ceased trading.

Immediately following the news, CITB – in partnership with the government and construction employers – set up a project team to assist with the retention and redeployment of Carillion apprentices.

CITB has contacted over 40,000 construction employers, the vast majority of which have been SMEs, encouraging them to take on Carillion apprentices and created a £1.5 million cash incentive programme for those who do. More than 850 employers have responded and offered job opportunities.

Eleven events were hosted by CITB on January 18 and 19 outlining the support on offer to apprentices in order to help them find new apprenticeship opportunities.

Gillian Cain, head of apprenticeships at CITB, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to help so many former Carillion apprentices, so many small firms have been critical in finding these roles but the job is not done. I want to reassure those who have not yet received job offers that the team at CITB will continue to do everything they can to help apprentices find new employers and get on with their training. We are confident that with industry support we can get all apprentices back on track very soon.”