CITB Skills & Training Funding Changes Announced
The CITB has announced the closure of the skills & training fund as of 30th September 2025 in a bid to streamline and simplify how CITB levy paying construction businesses access funding for training.
Following review of current funding provision, the CITB will remove access to Skills & Training funds paving way for the Employer Network fund to become the channel to access funding, alongside the grant scheme for core construction standards of training.
So... What Are The Funding Options Available?
CITB Employer Networks
Following the success of the CITB Employer Network launch, this funding pathway will become the focal route of issuing funding for training. The Employer Network initiative was set up and funded by CITB to simplify the way funding and training support can be accessed.
The employer network has two main objectives:
- To make it easier for registered companies to access training and funding
- To bring together employers at a local level to inform CITB on training needs
Similar to the previous Skills & Training fund, the Employer Network allows funding for skills not classed as typical construction standard, examples being leadership courses such as IOSH Managing Safely or occupational health & safety including first aid at work.
CITB will fund 70% of the cost training booked through the Employer Network, leaving just 30% of the course fee left to pay!
CITB Grant Claim
The CITB grant claim system will coincide with the Employer Network to ensure short duration construction specific skills still remain funded.
These courses are verified to meet the high industry standard, ensuring our learners have the right skills to support the construction industry to thrive. Grants are issued on achievement and the grant awarded works on a 3 tier system (refresher training equates to half of the original grant value).
Grant Claim Tiers and examples can be seen below:
How can Alpha Safety Help With These Changes?
As one of the UK's leading CITB Approved Training Organisation's and Independent Test Centres, Alpha Safety take great pride in supporting our CITB registered, levy paying clients.
As a provider, we run a wide range of accredited skills in line with the agreed industry standards. This provides our partners with piece of mind that the vast majority of our courses will not only develop your teams, but also obtain CITB funding in the process.
We work closely with our regional CITB advisors to ensure the skills you require are both fit for purpose and also funded for the best return of your investment.
Unsure of what CITB funding method is best for your training needs?
Why is the Skills & Training Fund being closed by CITB?
CITB state that they are refining their funding approach to better support levy-registered employers in accessing funding for training. CITB highlight at present, both Employer Networks (ENs) and the Skills & Training (S&T) fund provide funding for similar types of training, which can create confusion for employers exploring their options.
In response to employer feedback, CITB are simplifying the process and moving towards a more streamlined service. From 30 September 2025, the Skills & Training fund will close, and Employer Networks will become the primary route for accessing support to help businesses grow and develop.
How do I access funding from the Employer Network?
The Employer Network is free to join for applicable CITB registered employers with a network in your region . For more information regarding the initiative please click here.
How is a course booked through the Employer Network?
Employers will work closely with their local advisor to identify the training required, preferred locations and dates. This training will then be processed by the CITB booking team and sent for processing to Alpha Safety. Once booked, CITB cover 70% of the course fees and the remaining 30% is invoiced to the employer!
Alternatively, you can contact us for any general training requirements where we can support your training needs enquiry and signpost you to the Network with preferred course dates.
How do I get CITB grants for courses?
As a CITB Approved Training Organisation, employers can provide us with their unique company CITB reference number at point of booking, or the course attendee can input this on our delegate forms on the day of training.
Once we have received the course outcome, your organisation reference number and other required learner information, our team will then upload your claim to the CITB training register on your behalf to submit your claim on grant eligible courses for the applicable tier grant funding.
Alternatively, grants can also be claimed by the employer via the updated CITB grant portal
I still need help with my Skills & Training Fund?
The CITB funding team are still on hand to support with any Skills & Training enquiries, email the team levy.grant@citb.co.uk or call on 0344 994 4455
Alternatively, contact your CITB local advisor for any further support.
