The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Building Lives have announced they are to work together to support apprenticeships for young people seeking to enter the construction sector following charity funding cuts.

Building Lives supported over 250 apprenticeships in London last year, however the charity acknowledges that it is ineligible for the ongoing grant funding from CITB, which is only available to construction companies who are part of the Levy system.


CITB recognises the importance of the work Building Lives' does, both for the young people they support and for the construction industry in London.

A revised business model will be put in place by Building Lives later this year, which will allow it to not only continue operating but to expand the number of apprenticeships it supports in the sector. Financial support will be provided by Skills Funding Agency.

CITB is working with Building Lives to identify and secure interim support to the charity whilst the new business model is put in place.

While CITB has pledged financial support to all current Building Lives apprentices, it has registered this is unlikely to be sufficient to secure the charity's financial position in the short term.

(LM/CD)