What is CITB Funding?
CITB funding helps construction employers in England, Wales, and Scotland access training for operatives, assessors, or office staff. From in-person construction training to online examinations, CITB funding supports businesses of all sizes in developing workforce skills.
CITB Funding Routes
1. Achievement Grant
The Achievement Grant allows employers to recover some of their training costs. It covers a wide range of courses, from trade skills to health and safety qualifications.
Key Points:
Eligibility: CITB-registered employers, up to date with levy payments.
Funding Amount:
Short Courses: Tier 1 (£60), Tier 2 (£140), and Tier 3 (£240) per person per course.
Long qualifications, apprenticeships, and short award-level qualifications are also supported (note: award-level qualifications receive £240 from September 2025).
Claim Process: Employers pay upfront and claim the grant after course completion. Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) handle most paperwork.
Benefits:
Covers a variety of courses, including health and safety.
Minimal planning required.
Open to all CITB-registered employers.
2. Skills & Training Fund (closing September 2025)
Previously, this fund helped businesses develop structured workforce training plans.
Important Update: From 30 September 2025, the Skills & Training Fund will close. Employer Networks will become the primary route for flexible training funding, while the standard CITB Grants Scheme continues to support core construction qualifications.
3. Employer Network
The Employer Network simplifies the process of accessing training funding while meeting regional and industry needs. Employer Networks can support a wide range of training needs, from digital skills and compliance courses to core construction skills like plant training, NVQs, and site safety programmes.
Key Points:
Eligibility: All CITB levy-paying employers signed up to the Employer Network. You must be registered with CITB and up-to-date with your levy return to access this funding route.
Funding Amount: Funding levels vary, with some courses (e.g., shorter Award-level qualifications) supported at £240. Local EN representatives arrange payments directly with providers.
Claim Process: Local representatives handle admin, invoicing, and payments. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits:
Covers a wide range of courses, including specialist or ad hoc training.
Minimal administrative effort for employers.
Flexible access to training without long-term planning.
The online portal (launching 24 September 2025) enables applications, progress tracking, and account management.
Choosing the Right Route
Funding Route | Best For |
|---|
Achievement Grant | Routine training such as health & safety or NVQ qualifications |
Employer Network | Flexible, ad hoc, or specialist training; fast, hassle-free access |
Note: With the Skills & Training Fund closing, Employer Networks are now the main flexible route for workforce development beyond standard CITB grants.
Final Thoughts
CITB funding helps construction businesses train their teams efficiently and reduce costs while adhering to relevant training standards. By understanding each route and planning with your local Employer Network representative, you can access funding for high-quality training, whether through online courses, local training providers, or specialist programmes.
Visit the CITB website today to find your local contact and explore the best funding options for your business.
