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Get Into Construction 2025 – Inspiring The Next Generation And Reinforcing Site Safety

Home » Get Into Construction 2025 – Inspiring The Next Generation And Reinforcing Site Safety
get into construction 2025 reinforcing site safety - workforce skills support

Get Into Construction 2025 Event – Inspiring the Next Gen and Reinforcing Construction Site Safety

As we reflect on the close of April, we’re proud to share the progress and partnerships that have marked a strong start to 2025.

One of the month’s key highlights was the “Get Into Construction” event on April 3rd, hosted by West Nottinghamshire College in collaboration with Action for Construction. Supported by CITB and West Notts College, the event brought together industry employers and enthusiastic learners for a day of practical demonstrations, hands-on engagement, and career inspiration.

We were pleased to participate alongside fellow industry leaders, delivering demonstrations on three essential safety areas: Traffic Marshalling, Abrasive Wheels Safety, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and Face Fit Testing. These are more than technical requirements, they are core competencies that protect lives, reduce risk, and support a more professional construction workforce.

Below, we take a closer look at each of these topics and why they remain critical to our training agenda to reinforce construction site safety.

traffic marshalling - get into construction 2025 - workforce skills support

Traffic Marshalling: Ensuring the Safe Movement of Vehicles and People

The Traffic Marshall role is vital in busy construction environments, where space is limited and vehicle movement is frequent.

A trained Traffic Marshal supports:

  • The safe guidance of vehicles on and around site
  • Effective communication with drivers and teams
  • Hazard identification and mitigation
  • Compliance with HSE traffic management standards

Without this role, the likelihood of collisions, delays, accidents and injury increases significantly. Our traffic marshalling courses are designed to equip operatives with the knowledge and confidence to manage vehicle movements safely and efficiently.

Find out more about Traffic Marshal training

abrasive wheels training - get into construction 2025 - workforce skills support

Abrasive Wheels: Handling with Precision and Responsibility

Abrasive wheels are a staple tool across construction and engineering sites, but improper use can lead to serious injuries. Ensuring operatives are correctly trained is both a legal requirement and a critical construction site safety measure.

Our training helps individuals understand:

  • The selection and mounting of wheels
  • Inspection and maintenance procedures
  • Safe operation of abrasive wheels
  • The correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

At the event, learners gained valuable insights into the correct setup and operation of abrasive wheels, reinforcing the need for proactive safety measures when using high-speed cutting or grinding tools.

View our Abrasive Wheels training courses:

Abrasive Wheels Theory Training (Handheld Disc Cutter)

  • Operative and Craft, Supervision
  • 3 hours
  • Grant Tier 1 – £60
  • Classroom
  • CITB Standard

Abrasive Wheels Theory Training Refresher (Handheld Disc Cutter Refresher)

  • Operative and Craft, Supervision
  • 3 hours
  • Grant Tier 1 Refresher – £30
  • Classroom, Remote
  • CITB Standard

Abrasive Wheels With Practical

  • Operative and Craft, Supervision
  • 4 hours
  • Not Grant Eligible
  • Classroom
  • WSS Certification

Handheld Disc Cutter Safety in Construction (Abrasive Wheels)

  • Operative and Craft, Supervision
  • 6 hours
  • Grant Tier 1 – £60
  • Classroom
  • CITB Standard

Handheld Disc Cutter Safety in Construction Refresher (Abrasive Wheels Refresher)

  • Operative and Craft, Supervision
  • 3 hours
  • Grant Tier 1 Refresher – £30
  • Classroom
  • CITB Standard

RPE Safety: Protecting Health in High-Risk Environments

Respiratory risks in construction are often invisible, but the health consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Whether it’s silica dust, wood dust, or exposure to asbestos, the use of effective Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is non-negotiable.

Proper training in RPE use includes:

  • Selecting the appropriate RPE for the task
  • Face-fit testing and seal checks
  • Maintenance, cleaning, and storage procedures
  • Understanding specific risks such as asbestos exposure

During our demonstration, learners had the opportunity to explore the importance of RPE and how it plays a crucial role in preventing long-term conditions such as asbestosis, silicosis, and occupational asthma.

Learn more about our RPE safety training:

Respiratory Protective Equipment Training (RPE)

  • Operative and Craft, Supervision, Management and Leadership
  • 3 hours
  • Grant Tier 1 – £60
  • Classroom
  • CITB Standard

Face Fit Testing

  • Operative and Craft, Supervision, Management and Leadership
  • Half day (max 10 delegates), 1 day (max 20 delegates)
  • Not Grant Eligible
  • Classroom
  • WSS Certification

Training Support: Grants and Funding Available for Employers

Investing in construction training doesn’t have to be a financial burden thanks to a range of CITB funding options, many courses can be significantly subsidised or even delivered at cost-neutral to employers.

Here’s a quick overview of the support currently available:

CITB Skills & Training Fund

This fund is aimed at small to medium-sized employers (with up to 250 employees) who are CITB levy registered. It helps cover the cost of training that supports business development and workforce competence.

  • Available to eligible employers once per year
  • Funding amount depends on company size (up to £25,000 available)
  • Can be used for a wide range of training, including safety-critical courses
  • Often makes training cost-neutral when combined with short course grants

We can assist with the application process—get in touch for guidance.

CITB Short Course Grants

For CITB-registered employers, the short course grant scheme offers a set rate of funding per learner, per course. This applies to a wide range of training including:

  • Traffic marshalling
  • Abrasive wheels
  • RPE safety
  • And more site safety training

CITB Employer Networks Funding (70% Funded Training)

Although the fully funded period of CITB Employer Networks concluded in March 2025 for construction NVQs, the CITB Employer Networks are still offering 70% funding for some construction training courses, providing a cost-effective way to upskill your workforce.

  • Localised support and funding through regional networks
  • Ideal for employers wanting to access simplified funding solutions

Need Help Accessing Funding?

We regularly support employers in securing grants and designing training plans that align with funding eligibility. Whether you’re looking to train a small team or deliver larger-scale workforce development, we’re here to guide you through the funding process.

Contact us today for a free consultation on how to make your training investment go further.

Looking Ahead: Skilled, Safe, and Supported

With CITB Employer Networks fully funded support concluding at the end of March, we remain focused on continuing learner registrations and delivering high-quality, targeted training.

Events like Get Into Construction reinforce the importance of engaging young people with practical, real-world insight into the construction industry and construction site safety. At Workforce Skills Support, we’re committed to building not only competence, but confidence ensuring individuals and employers alike are equipped for safe, sustainable success.

Get in touch with us to discuss training options, learner registration, or upcoming opportunities.

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