Peter Lauener appointed new CITB Chair

One of the country’s leading experts in skills and apprenticeships has been appointed as the new chair of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Peter Lauener becomes chair of CITB on 1 May when James Wates steps down from the role he has held for eight years. The appointment was made by apprenticeships and skills minister Anne Milton.

Lauener has a wealth of experience in skills and education and is the current, interim chief executive of the Student Loans Company. He will initially continue in this role alongside his position as CITB chair.

Previously, Lauener was chief executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships, and the Education and Skills Funding Agency. He has also been director of skills at the former Department for Education and Skills, among many senior roles in the skills and education field.

Commenting on his appointment, apprenticeships and skills minister Anne Milton said: “I am pleased to appoint Peter Lauener as the new chair of the Construction Industry Training Board. Peter's knowledge of the skills industry, along with his experience, will help his work with the CITB to make sure that our country has the construction skills it needs.

Reacting to his appointment, Lauener said: “I am delighted to be appointed as chair of the CITB. I know how committed the industry is to training and I am looking forward to working with industry leaders, together with Sarah Beale and her committed executive team at CITB to make construction an exemplar for skills development.”