Interclass has recently been awarded £178,763 from the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Industry Impact Fund.
The fund aims to support projects and initiatives that drive positive change and innovation within the sector and will be instrumental in supporting Interclass’ initiative to develop and promote neurodiversity training.
This successful application follows a comprehensive survey and report commissioned by the National Federation of Builders (NFB) last year, shedding light on the prevalence of neurodivergent individuals within the construction sector.
The findings revealed that 1 in 4 individuals working in construction identify as neurodiverse.
The report also highlighted the challenges neurodivergent workers often encounter, with 38% believing there is no or not much empathy for neurodiverse workers in the industry.
These statistics emphasise the need for increased awareness and support within the industry, and the funds secured through CITB’s Industry Impact Fund will be dedicated to implementing a neurodiversity training programme bespoke to the construction industry.
Interclass is working in partnership with the National Federation of Builders and specialist training providers Genius Within to develop and deliver the training programme over the next 24 months.
Recognising the importance of creating an inclusive environment, the training aims to equip everyone working in construction with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand and support neurodivergent individuals.
The training will encompass various formats, including face-to-face training, e-learning modules and toolkits.
The primary objective is to create an understanding and appreciation for the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to the workplace.
With a target of training over 400 individuals, including 30% from SME/micro businesses, this initiative represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and supportive construction industry and presents a substantial opportunity for the sector to lead the way in championing neurodiversity awareness and support.
Furthermore, by addressing the skills shortage and actively working to attract new talent into the industry, this initiative not only enhances diversity but also ensures a sustainable future workforce.
To find out more about the programme, please email [email protected]