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Surrey Training Group Meeting – September 2024

On Wednesday 4th September, we held our second Surrey Training Group meeting with our new Group Training Officer, Belinda Jones, at our CISTC Training Centre at Natta Head Office. It was a pleasure to welcome our members back for another engaging session.

Belinda began the meeting with an overview of the agenda. She shared the latest news and updates from the Surrey Training Group.

About CoTrain

Mark Pope, our guest speaker from CoTrain briefed the group about the company. He outlined the benefits for employers of incorporating apprentice placements into their workforce. CoTrain is a Shared Apprenticeship Scheme working in partnership and co-funded by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). They offer flexible arrangements that overcome many of the challenges the industry faces when considering the ‘traditional’ apprenticeship route. CoTrain can help contractors fulfil their obligations to provide an apprenticeship placement on shorter-term contracts, where they are unable to support a ‘traditional’ full-time apprenticeship.

Surrey Training Group August 2024 - 1

After a coffee break, Belinda began the second half of the meeting with our free raffle. Well done to all of our raffle winners!

CITB Updates

Next, our guest speakers Liz and Karen from CITB shared their latest news and industry updates. They were also available to answer any questions that the group had. CITB are the construction industry training board in England. It is their job to support the construction industry to attract talent and support skill development. They continue to play a vital role in supporting the construction industry by attracting talent and nurturing skill development. Following this, Amy from CITB joined us remotely to discuss how CITB work with employers to remove the barriers they may face with employing and retaining new entrants, particularly apprentices.

Reflecting on the meeting, Belinda commented: “It was a very informative meeting this quarter with Mark Pope from Co-Train speaking about how his company supports small businesses with the employment of apprentices. CITB gave updates regarding Liz Steel’s changing role, the new Employee Network Grants and the Apprenticeship Grants offered by CITB. If anyone would like support with their CITB Grant Funding, or if any of the above is of interest, please get in touch with us at info@surreytg.co.uk”

A special thank you to our guest speakers and all who attended. We hope you enjoyed the meeting.

Our next meeting will be held on December 11th. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for the confirmed meeting agenda: Surrey Training Group Upcoming Meetings.

If you’re interested in attending or becoming a member, please contact us at 01252 855399 or email info@surreytg.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there!