The first round of recruitment using a specialist headhunter kicked-off in February but failed to find a suitable candidate.

Now Tim Balcon has been confirmed as the leader of the training body and will start in his new role next month.

Balcon’s last role was chief executive officer at Propertymark.

He spent only four months at the estate agents’ trade body and departed suddenly in February.

Since then he has been running his own executive coaching consultancy.

Balcon’s previous experience includes stints as  Chief Executive at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and Chief Executive of the Energy and Utility Sector Skills Council.

He started out from a mining town in South Yorkshire as an apprentice service engineer with British Gas in the early 1980s, where he spent his early career.

Peter Lauener, CITB Chair, said: “I’d like to welcome Tim to CITB, an outstanding candidate for the post of CEO.  He brings considerable experience in skills and training and strong leadership qualities.

“This is a crucial time for construction skills across Britain, and the Board is looking forward to working with him to drive forward our strategy to meet the skills needs of employers.”

Mark Reynolds, CEO of Mace Group and co-lead of the Construction Leadership Council skills workstream, added: “I am looking forward to working closely with Tim as we address the huge skills challenges we face in construction.

“Tim’s journey from apprentice to Chief Executive is one that will resonate with the industry and will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.”

Balcon said: “As a former apprentice I know how much having the right skills at a young age can transform your whole career and support your employer. That’s why I’m so passionate about skills and am thrilled to be joining the team at CITB to help many more people join the construction sector and to have long and fulfilling careers within it.”

He takes over from outgoing CITB Chief Executive Sarah Beale, who will relinquish her post at the end of September.