CITB & ECITB Courses – What’s the Difference?

There are two well-known educating bodies in the construction industry - the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Industry Construction Training Board (ECITB). Despite their similar sounding names, these two organisations provide support and education for two different sectors - in this article we will look at the main differences between them to ensure you choose the best training route for your needs, as the similarity in names can cause some confusion.

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) 

The CITB concentrates on training in the general construction sector and offers training programs and certifications to produce a safe and capable workforce. Their range of courses aim to ensure safety standards, productivity and overall efficiency within the construction industry.

Some of the most popular courses provided by the CITB include:

·        the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)

·        the Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

·        Health and Safety Awareness.

These courses are essential for personnel such as Site Managers, Supervisors and general workers to ensure compliance with safety measures whilst onsite.

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) 

The ECITB puts its focus on the more specialised field of engineering construction. It concentrates on providing individuals with the specialised knowledge they need for more diverse engineering projects. Through their training programmes, individuals can learn the skills they need to work safely and efficiently in demanding environments.

One of the most popular ECITB courses is the CCNSG Safety Passport which provides an in-depth insight into safety requirements and is often a mandatory requirement for work at specific work sites. 

The ECITB also offers technical training courses covering a wide range of skills needed for successful roles within engineering construction, ranging from welding to project management.

Key Differences between the CTIB and ECTIB

The main difference between the CITB and the ECITB is their industry focus. The CITB primarily caters for the wider construction industry with a focus on site safety, management and supervisory skills. Whilst the ECITB specialises in the engineering construction sector and concentrates on the technical skills and the safety required to work in complex engineering environments. As a result, the target audience for CITB courses includes construction site managers, supervisors and general construction workers whilst the ECITB takes care of engineers, technicians and project managers working within the engineering field.

Both the CITB and the ECITB play important roles in their sectors and provide essential training to ensure safety and efficiency. Choosing which course you need will depend upon your industry and career goals - for those in general construction, the CITB courses will be a better fit whilst the ECITB courses are perfect for those within the engineering construction sector.

To see our range of both CITB and ECTIB courses visit our website www.bookmycourse.co.uk and take your first steps to improving your construction or engineering skills.