From 8 January 2026, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is making significant changes to how training and qualifications are funded. These reforms reflect changes in demand for funding, the growth of Employer Networks, and a desire to ensure long-term sustainability of the levy-funded system.
Understanding these updates is essential if your organisation relies on CITB support to fund training and qualifications for your workforce. This guide explains what’s changing, how it affects employers, and actions you can take to prepare.
Why the Changes Are Happening
CITB has seen a 36% increase in the number of employers accessing training support since 2021, while the levy rate (the income used to fund grants and training support) has not increased in that period. This imbalance means demand for grants now outstrips the funding available. To address this, CITB is restructuring its funding approach to focus support where it can have the greatest impact and ensure sustainability for the future.
Key Changes from 8 January 2026
1. Short Course Training Funding Is Changing
Under the new model:
- Most short courses will no longer be funded through the traditional CITB Grants Scheme.
- Support for short-duration training will instead be delivered through Employer Networks (EN), which are local advisers who help identify training and access funding.
- A small number of specialist courses (e.g., plant operations and scaffolding) will remain eligible for direct grant funding via the Grants Scheme.
- First Aid training will not be supported through Employer Networks.
This shift means employers will need to work with their local Employer Network adviser to book funded training under the new system.
2. Transitional Arrangements
If training was booked before 8 December 2025 and can be evidenced:
- The booking will continue to be funded under the current grant rates even if delivery takes place after 8 January 2026, as long as it is completed by 31 March 2026.
This transitional arrangement gives employers time to adjust but requires documentation of the booking date to secure funding at historic levels.
3. Employer Network (EN) Funding Changes
Employer Networks will be the main funding route for most training from January 2026 onward, with new terms:
- CITB will match-fund 50% of eligible training costs for most courses.
- For Health & Safety in Construction and related courses, support will be available at 30% of the average market rate.
- Employer Network funding operates on a fixed annual budget, so support is limited and distributed fairly across the year.
This means the level of support for training will generally be lower than historic grant rates, and funding will need to be planned in discussion with your EN adviser.
4. Qualification Grant Adjustments
As part of the new regime:
- Attendance grants for longer qualifications (paid during training delivery) will be removed.
- A standard achievement grant of £600 will be paid upon successful completion of non-apprentice qualifications.
- Funding for Level 7 qualifications will be discontinued if they start after 8 December 2025.
However, Level 7 apprenticeships and Scottish Advanced Craft certifications (SCQF Level 7) will continue to attract support under existing arrangements.
5. Large Employer Funding Changes (From April 2026)
From 1 April 2026, employers with 250+ employees will no longer be eligible for Employer Network funding. A new large employer funding offer will be introduced to support these businesses, but details will be published closer to the launch date.
This change aims to streamline funding routes and ensure Employer Network resources are targeted at smaller and medium-sized employers through the first quarter of the year.
What Employers Should Do Next
Review and Secure Existing Bookings
- If your training is already booked and supported under the current Grants Scheme, ensure you have evidence of booking by 8 December 2025.
- Training completed between 8 January and 31 March 2026 will be funded at existing grant rates if booked before the deadline.
Plan New Short Courses Through Employer Networks
- For training you want to undertake in 2026, contact your local Employer Network adviser.
- They will help identify eligible courses, confirm funding availability, and support the booking process under the new match-funded terms.
Review Qualification Plans
- If you are planning longer qualifications, consider how the removal of attendance grants and the new £600 achievement grant affects your funding projections.
- For Level 7 qualification plans, make sure they start before the cut-off if funding support is required.
Large Employers Should Finalise EN-Funded Training Before April
- If you are a large employer, aim to complete any training supported through Employer Networks by 31 March 2026.
- After this date, training support for large employers will be accessed via the forthcoming large employer fund.
Continued Support and Strategic Focus
While the way funding is accessed is changing, CITB remains committed to supporting construction skills development. Apprenticeship funding continues, and targeted support will remain for high-impact training aligned with industry skills gaps. CITB also runs webinars and Q&A sessions to help employers understand these changes and plan effectively.
Summary- Key Dates to Remember
- 8 January 2026 – New funding rules take effect.
- 31 March 2026 – Employer Network funding ends for large employers.
- 1 April 2026 – New large employer fund launches.
