The Carpentry Show

Are The CITB Fit For Purpose? & Addressing Criticism From SMEs

The Carpentry Show

Show Notes

Robin Clevett asks the Construction Industry Training Board to join him and address some misgivings from certain areas of the construction industry. Robin asks whether the CITB are still fit for purpose, asks about decisions behind where grants go and how funds are allocated. Robin addresses the frustration many have about NVQs being favoured over other qualifications in order to get a CSCS card and also asks about the 12-week consultation phase we’re now in with regards to proposals for the CITB and ECTIB to merge as one Industry Training Board.

Robin also invites Helen Hewitt from the British Woodworking Federation onto the show for a follow up with regards to where we are after Skills England paused proposals to reduce apprenticeships in length…

…and Christian Hathrell-Good, a leading training provider (Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd) joins the discussion to share good and bad experiences with regards to getting support from the CITB for their training programmes.

More from The Carpentry Show

Oct 19, 2026

Robin Clevett is joined by Quantity Surveyor Tim Philips and time-served carpenter Jason Joyce to explore how the trade has evolved, whether carpenters now need a broader understanding of the entire building, and how unfamiliar materials and systems can complicate even straightforward jobs.

Oct 12, 2026

Robin Clevett looks into retirement and is joined by fellow tradespeople Danny Madden, Jack Auletta and Gary Banks to discuss their plans for the future, from financial preparation and business succession, to finding a better work-life balance and exploring new ventures beyond the trade.

Oct 5, 2026

Robin answers your questions on the tools he couldn’t work without, whether apprentices rely too heavily on power tools, and why traditional hand skills still matter in modern carpentry.

Sep 28, 2026

Robin Clevett looks at the dangers of working in hazardous environments and asks whether tradespeople are sometimes being put in situations where safety is being compromised.

Sep 14, 2026

Robin Clevett looks at the growing demand for fitted interiors and asks whether carpenters could use their existing skills to move into a new and potentially lucrative area of the industry.

See all episodes →