The former construction advisor for the UK Government, Paul Morrell, has been selected to help undertaken a review of the industry's training boards.

The recent publication of Mark Farmer's 'Modernise or Die' study called into question the effectiveness and future role of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

In his review, Mr Farmer stated the CITB was in need of wholesale reform along with its levy system, including a new mandate to properly fund and drive forward both appropriate skills development and innovation to suit a 'modern progressive industry.'

With the new apprenticeship levy being introduced in April 2017, the new charge will impact larger construction companies currently in scope of the levies operated by the CITB and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Boards (ECITB). The report also asked whether market failures in construction still require a separate levy and grant system and if so, how this can operate alongside the apprenticeship levy


In addition, the ability of the UK construction sector to maintain and expand capacity was also questioned.

As an English chartered quantity surveyor and the former senior partner of Davis Langdon, Mr Morrell will use his expertise to help map out the future of industrial training boards.

Previously, from November 2009 to November 2012 he acted as the UK government’s first Chief Construction Adviser and helped produce the 'Low Carbon Construction' report in 2011.

Robert Halfon, Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, said: "I am delighted Paul has agreed to lend his experience and advice to this important review. Paul is a highly respected figure both in the industry and in government and is known as a strong force for change and modernisation.

"The government's ambitious infrastructure and housing plans require a step up in capability and capacity in the construction sector. Training boards can help deliver the skills we desperately need and I look forward to seeing some real recommendations from this review."

Steve Radley, Director of Policy at CITB, said: "The Farmer report and this review raise a number of important questions about how to transform the performance and productivity of construction, and how CITB needs to reform to support this. It’s excellent news that Paul Morrell has been appointed to advise, as he knows the industry inside and out.

"We are working closely with government to ensure the review produces the right outcomes for industry, so that together we can help our sector modernise and grow."

(LM/MH)