The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to advancing the building and construction industry in South Australia through funding quality training and workforce development initiatives. Established under the Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1993, the CITB operates as a whole-of-industry led body committed to supporting skills development, attracting future workers, and advising government on construction industry training matters.

History and Purpose

The CITB was created to manage and administer the Construction Industry Training Fund, which collects revenue through a levy applied to building and construction projects valued at over $40,000 in South Australia. The levy, set at 0.25% of project value, funds the organisation’s activities aimed at enhancing the skills, safety, and productivity of the construction workforce. The organisation’s mission encompasses:

• Providing subsidised training for apprentices, employers, and workers within the sector.
• Promoting careers in construction and attracting new entrants through vocational training in schools.
• Advising the South Australian Government on industry training strategies.
• Supporting innovation, research, and planning related to construction workforce development.
• Coordinating and evaluating employment-related training programs.[2][4][5]

Governance and Leadership

The CITB is governed by a Board responsible for overseeing financial management and strategic direction. Key management personnel include the Minister for Education and the Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, alongside Board members and the Chief Executive Officer. The Board acts as the principal adviser to relevant government ministers on training-related matters for the construction industry in South Australia.[5]

Activities and Impact

CITB’s funding supports a range of initiatives designed to build a highly skilled workforce. This includes subsidising training courses for apprentices and workers, promoting occupational health and safety, and fostering personal satisfaction and career opportunities in construction. The organisation also engages in research and liaises with educational, professional, and training bodies to ensure its programs meet industry needs.[2][5]

Recognising the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than merely levy collection, CITB has undertaken process reviews to enhance its impact. This includes collaboration with innovation partners to streamline operations and enhance value-adding activities, with an emphasis on supporting career development and industry growth.[4]

Funding

The Construction Industry Training Fund Levy is the primary source of revenue for CITB. This levy is imposed on applicable construction projects in South Australia and reinvested directly back into training and development programs for the industry.[4][5]

The Construction Industry Training Board continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the South Australian building and construction industry by ensuring a continuous supply of skilled workers through effective training, research, and industry collaboration.

[1] https://citb.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1dca6e7a-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://www.citc.com.au/citb-subsidies/ [4] https://www.publicsector.sa.gov.au/about/Resources-and-Publications/innovation-lab/the-projects/construction-industry-training-board-citb-effective-processes-for-maximum-impact [5] https://www.audit.sa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-10/Construction_Industry_Training_Board_2019.pdf