Leading skills and apprenticeships expert, Peter Lauener, has been named as the new Chair of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Mr Lauener, who was appointed by Skills Minister Anne Milton, will take up his new position on 01 May after James Wates steps down following eight years in charge.

Having previously been Chief Executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships, and at the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Mr Lauener is currently interim Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company and he will initially continue in this role alongside his position as Chair of CITB.


Speaking on his appointment, Mr Lauener said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the CITB. I know how committed the industry is to training and I am looking forward to working with industry leaders, together with Sarah Beale and her committed executive team at CITB to make construction an exemplar for skills development."

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton added: "I am pleased to appoint Peter Lauener as the new Chair of the Construction Industry Training Board. Peter's knowledge of the skills industry, along with his experience, will help his work with the CITB to make sure that our country has the construction skills it needs.

"Peter will take over from James Wates in May. I would like to thank James for the contribution he has made to the CITB during his time as Chair, and I wish him the very best for the future."

(LM/MH)