Important updates to CITB’s grants and funding offer (effective 8 January 2026)
The CITB Employer Network is a new CITB funding initiative designed to make training and funding more accessible for construction employers. Through this scheme, CITB-registered employers can claim training funding each year, helping them to upskill their workforce without the hassle of complex applications.
What’s changing from 8 January 2026?
Funding for Site Safety Plus courses will have to be done via the Employer Network scheme prior to the course rather than retrospective. Bookings cannot be via a Broker or Course Re-seller to be eligible for the funding.
How can I take advantage of Employer Networks?
Providing your business is CITB registered and up to date with levy payments, you are eligible to receive this funding. The funding is split into two routes, ‘Short Course’ funding and ‘H&S Courses’ (i.e. Site Safety Plus, SMSTS, SSSTS etc).
‘Short Course’ Training
No longer funded through previous Grants Scheme, with the exception of Plant Operations, Scaffolding, MEWP (i.e. IPAF) and other specialist courses. See full list of courses – https://www.citb.co.uk/media/dbcp14dc/december-2025-funding-update-course-exceptions.pdf
Non SSP courses listed below are classed as ‘Short Courses’ and are funded at a 50/50 split between the CITB and the Employer.
Eligible Courses (funded at 50%): –
PASMA
IOSH
CCNSG
Manual Handling / Working at Height / Abrasive Wheels
Fire Warden
Face Fit – Half Mask Testing
Face Fit Testing – ‘Train the Tester’
Pre‑8th 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.
H&S Courses (funded at 30%): –
H&S Awareness / SMSTS & Refresher / SSSTS & Refresher
Temporary Works Supervisor / Temporary Works Coordinator
Asbestos Awareness
First Aid training isn’t supported.
How do I Book and Access the Funding?
You must contact your local CITB advisor who will help you identify and book your training needs – we can assist you to find the correct contact. This must be done prior to the course rather than retrospectively.
Funding is available via Employer Networks only (this must be via an Approved Member such as MECsafe Limited).
NVQ Qualification Grant Changes
Level 7 qualifications starting after 8 December 2025 are no longer supported.
Achievement grant for qualifications below Level 7 is £600 where the achievement date is on or after 8 January 2026 (achievements prior to 7 January 2026 will be honoured at current rates).
Achievement grant for qualifications at Level 7 is £600 where the start date is before 8 December 2025 and the achievement date is between 8 January 2026 and 31 March 2028. CITB must be informed by 31 March 2026 (achievements prior to 7 January 2026 will be honoured at current rates).
Immediate actions for employers
If your training was already booked by December 8th 2025, or completed before 7th January 2026, no action is needed and funding remains unchanged.
If your training is booked by December 8th 2025 but takes place between 8 January and 31st March 2026, evidence of this is required to secure current grant rate.
If you’re planning training that is Employer Network supported, please speak to your CITB Advisor or MECsafe Limited who will help organise what you need.
Read more about CITB Employer Network funding
What Is CITB Employer Network Funding?
The CITB Employer Network is now the primary route for CITB-registered construction employers to access training funding and support. Introduced as part of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funding changes, Employer Networks simplify how levy-paying employers secure financial assistance for eligible training courses.
This initiative replaces many traditional short course grants and provides a structured, match-funded system designed to improve access to workforce development, compliance training and skills progression across the construction industry.
How CITB Employer Network Funding Works
Eligibility Requirements
To access Employer Network funding, your business must be registered with CITB and up to date with levy payments. Funding must be arranged before training takes place and must be processed through an approved Employer Network member or local CITB adviser.
Retrospective claims are not permitted under the Employer Network model, so advance planning is essential to secure funding approval.
Match-Funding Model
Employer Network funding operates on a match-funding basis. In most cases, CITB contributes up to 50% of the eligible training cost, with the employer covering the remaining balance. Funding levels vary depending on the course type, category and eligibility status.
This approach enables levy-paying employers to reduce training costs while maintaining flexibility in workforce development planning.
Eligible Training Categories
Employer Networks support a broad range of construction training, including:
- Health and safety training such as SMSTS, SSSTS and H&S Awareness
- Site supervisor and management qualifications
- Short technical and compliance courses
- Specialist role-specific training
Funding availability may vary depending on course classification, transition timelines and updated CITB funding policies.
CITB Funding Changes From 2026
Centralised Funding Route
From January 2026, Employer Networks became the main funding pathway for most CITB-supported training. Traditional short course grants were phased out in favour of this streamlined match-funded system.
Changes to Funding Levels
Short courses are now funded through Employer Networks rather than legacy grant schemes. Health and safety training may attract different funding rates compared to previous grant structures. Achievement grants and higher-level qualification funding also operate under revised limits and eligibility criteria.
Booking and Approval Requirements
All funded training must be approved and booked in advance through the Employer Network structure. Employers must work with a local adviser or approved network member to ensure compliance with funding rules and budget allocations.
Benefits of Using CITB Employer Network Funding
Simplified Access to Training Funding
The Employer Network model reduces administrative complexity and provides a clearer route to securing training support. Employers gain improved visibility over funding eligibility and course approval processes.
Local Adviser Support
Employer Networks operate regionally, allowing construction businesses to work directly with local CITB advisers to plan training aligned with operational requirements and future workforce needs.
Strategic Workforce Development
By consolidating funding routes, CITB enables employers to better align training investment with compliance requirements, regulatory standards and long-term skills development within the construction sector.
What CITB Levy Payers Should Do Next
If your business is planning training, it is essential to confirm eligibility and secure Employer Network approval before booking any course. Early engagement ensures funding availability and avoids delays caused by budget limitations or policy changes.
Working with an approved Employer Network member ensures your training programme aligns with current CITB funding rules, match-funding requirements and eligibility criteria.
What Is CITB Employer Network Funding?
The CITB Employer Network is now the primary route for CITB-registered construction employers to access training funding and support. Introduced as part of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funding changes, Employer Networks simplify how levy-paying employers secure financial assistance for eligible training courses.
This initiative replaces many traditional short course grants and provides a structured, match-funded system designed to improve access to workforce development, compliance training and skills progression across the construction industry.
How CITB Employer Network Funding Works
Eligibility Requirements
To access Employer Network funding, your business must be registered with CITB and up to date with levy payments. Funding must be arranged before training takes place and must be processed through an approved Employer Network member or local CITB adviser.
Retrospective claims are not permitted under the Employer Network model, so advance planning is essential to secure funding approval.
Match-Funding Model
Employer Network funding operates on a match-funding basis. In most cases, CITB contributes up to 50% of the eligible training cost, with the employer covering the remaining balance. Funding levels vary depending on the course type, category and eligibility status.
This approach enables levy-paying employers to reduce training costs while maintaining flexibility in workforce development planning.
Eligible Training Categories
Employer Networks support a broad range of construction training, including:
- Health and safety training such as SMSTS, SSSTS and H&S Awareness
- Site supervisor and management qualifications
- Short technical and compliance courses
- Specialist role-specific training
Funding availability may vary depending on course classification, transition timelines and updated CITB funding policies.
CITB Funding Changes From 2026
Centralised Funding Route
From January 2026, Employer Networks became the main funding pathway for most CITB-supported training. Traditional short course grants were phased out in favour of this streamlined match-funded system.
Changes to Funding Levels
Short courses are now funded through Employer Networks rather than legacy grant schemes. Health and safety training may attract different funding rates compared to previous grant structures. Achievement grants and higher-level qualification funding also operate under revised limits and eligibility criteria.
Booking and Approval Requirements
All funded training must be approved and booked in advance through the Employer Network structure. Employers must work with a local adviser or approved network member to ensure compliance with funding rules and budget allocations.
Benefits of Using CITB Employer Network Funding
Simplified Access to Training Funding
The Employer Network model reduces administrative complexity and provides a clearer route to securing training support. Employers gain improved visibility over funding eligibility and course approval processes.
Local Adviser Support
Employer Networks operate regionally, allowing construction businesses to work directly with local CITB advisers to plan training aligned with operational requirements and future workforce needs.
Strategic Workforce Development
By consolidating funding routes, CITB enables employers to better align training investment with compliance requirements, regulatory standards and long-term skills development within the construction sector.
What CITB Levy Payers Should Do Next
If your business is planning training, it is essential to confirm eligibility and secure Employer Network approval before booking any course. Early engagement ensures funding availability and avoids delays caused by budget limitations or policy changes.
Working with an approved Employer Network member ensures your training programme aligns with current CITB funding rules, match-funding requirements and eligibility criteria.
