Beale has been head of the organisation since January 2016 and worked at the CITB for 16 years.

She oversaw the body’s Vision 2020 programme which saw it shift away from providing training directly to “delivering strategic outcomes for the whole construction industry.”

The CITB faces its triennial consensus vote next year when the industry and trade bodies decide if they want the organisation to continue collecting the training levy.

Peter Lauener, Chair of CITB, said: “Sarah has been a superb Chief Executive for CITB, serving industry’s skills needs with dedication, and making us a stronger and more effective organisation in the process.

“Thanks to Sarah’s work, and that of her senior team, the Board and I can remain confident in CITB’s commitment and ability to deliver the new strategic plan and to achieve industry endorsement of our approach in the consensus process we expect to run next year.”

Beale said: “It’s been an honour to lead CITB. A part of me will always stay in this great organisation, which is full of brilliant people making a real difference to people’s lives and careers, as well as supporting construction employers across Great Britain.

“I’m proud of the work we have done together, and our record of delivery. It will be tough to leave after 16 fantastic years, but right now I’m focused on delivering our Skills Stability Plan, including seeing through internal changes and setting up CITB to deliver beyond that, before taking a breather and identifying a new career challenge.”