Funding changes information
Important updates to CITB’s grants and funding offer (effective 8 January 2026)
On this page:
These changes take effect from 8 January 2026. Short course training already booked before 8 December (with evidence) that takes place after 8 January will be honoured at current rates.
To make understanding these changes easier, we’re hosting a series of informative webinars. Go to Grant & Funding changes Q&A and select the webinar that’s right for you.
Why is CITB making these changes?
- Number of employers supported has increased by 36% since 2021
- Levy rates have not increased in this period
- Current demand for financial support will exceed Levy income
- Changes ensure long‑term sustainability and focus support where it has greatest impact
- CITB remains committed to supporting construction training.
- No longer funded through Grants Scheme with the exception of Plant Operations, Scaffolding and other specialist courses. See full list of courses Funding update course exceptions (PDF, 118KB)
- Support now delivered exclusively via Employer Networks
- Pre‑8 December bookings that are completed between 8 January and 31 March 2026 will be honoured where there is evidence provided of booking date to qualify for grant payment.
- You must contact your local adviser who will help you identify and book your training needs
- CITB will match fund 50% of eligible courses
- H&S in construction and associated courses H&S Courses list (PDF, 69KB) supported at 30% of average market rate
- The EN fund operates on a finite, fixed annual budget which will be carefully managed throughout the year to ensure support is distributed fairly
- First Aid training will not be supported.
- Attendance grants for long qualifications removed*
- Achievement grant of £600
- Level 7 qualifications no longer supported.
* This does not impact Level 7 Apprenticeships, or Scottish Advanced Craft Certifications which are SCQF Level 7 (equivalent to QCF Level 5.)
- Will not be supported for any training via EN funding after 31 March 2026
- New large employer fund launches 1 April 2026.
Immediate actions for employers
- If your training is already booked by December 8 2025, or completed before 7 January, no action is needed and funding remains unchanged
- If your training is booked by December 8 2025 but takes place between 8 January and 31 March 2026, evidence of this is required to secure current grant rate
- If you’re planning new short-duration training that is EN supported, please speak to your adviser who will help organise what you need
- If you’re a large employer, please ensure any training booked via ENs is completed before 31st March 2026.
Contact your Local CITB Adviser for transition support and booking queries.
Continuing support
- CITB continues to invest in construction skills
- Support remains available for high‑impact training aligned to skills gaps
- Card‑linked training continues to receive grants.
Key timelines
8 December 2025: Announcement and guidance published
8 January 2026: All new funding rules take effect
31 March 2026: Large employers stop accessing EN funding
1 April 2026: New large employer fund goes live.
FAQs and contact us
Contact your Local CITB Adviser for transition support and booking queries.