How immersive learning became a funded national strategy for the UK construction industry — informed by national-scale research and industry insight
Uncovering the potential for immersive technology in construction training, and identifying the barriers preventing large-scale adoption across the industry.
CITB has commissioned research into Immersive Learning and how it can benefit construction training.
This video highlights some of the good practice we found around the country.
The construction industry faces systemic challenges in skills development, including fragmented training provision, high costs, safety risks, and declining appeal to a younger workforce. CITB commissioned this research to understand whether immersive learning could address these challenges in a practical, scalable way — and what would be required to support industry-wide adoption. The key risk was significant investment without clear evidence of readiness, value, or alignment across employers, training providers, and regulators. Without this clarity, investment risked being fragmented, misaligned, or delayed across the sector.
Immersive learning was already in use across the industry — but without shared frameworks, standards, or funding support.
Employers needed proof of real-world training outcomes before they would commit to adoption at scale.
Leadership gaps and lack of coordination across the industry were the true constraints — not budget.
Scaling required repositioning immersive learning as a strategic move for the sector, not a technology pilot.
Designed to reduce risk and enable confident national-level decision-making for CITB leadership.
Conducted interviews with employers, trade associations, federations, training bodies, and technology companies to understand needs, constraints, and adoption barriers.
Desk research and expert consultations to map existing training pathways, stakeholder relationships, and points of influence across the construction ecosystem.
Observed immersive technology being used in real training environments, construction sites, and educational institutions to ground findings in practical reality.
Design Researcher
Artefacts were used to align stakeholders, inform strategy, and support funding decisions.
Used by CITB leadership to inform the 2018–2021 business plan.
ReadIndustry-facing narrative to communicate opportunities, reduce uncertainty, and support adoption.
WatchFindings showcased at Digital Construction Week and in construction news to align stakeholders and build momentum within the industry.
View"The industry requires collaboration and leadership to ensure this approach to training is introduced in the most effective and sustainable way possible"
Ben Lever
Skills & Innovation Lead, CITB
From insight to national investment
Established a shared evidence base for immersive learning adoption.
CITB committed to immersive learning as a core focus within its 2018–2021 strategy.
Read moreMade available to employers who could demonstrate how immersive learning would enhance construction training.
Read moreLed to subsequent projects focused on up-skilling the future construction workforce.
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