Raeburn Training

Good news for local businesses- the Business Gateway Expert Help scheme is continuing into this tax year, with the ongoing focus on helping businesses to grow. 

Through this scheme, eligible businesses can access specialist consultancy support, typically covering up to two days of funded expert advice. For many, this represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen important areas of their business without the added financial burden. 

How Expert Help Can Support Health & Safety

One of the most practical applications of the scheme is in supporting businesses with their Health & Safety arrangements. Expert consultancy can be provided in areas such as: 

These measures not only support compliance with legislation but also contribute to long-term business growth by fostering safer, more efficient, and more resilient workplaces.  

Important Notes on Eligibility 

The Expert Help programme is a Business Gateway scheme, and eligibility is assessed directly by them. A few key points to be aware of: 

You can find the full details of the scheme here: Business Gateway Fife- Specialist Business Advice 

Next Steps- How to Access Support 

Raeburn Training can assist businesses who are interested in accessing this support. In the first instance, we encourage organisations to contact our team directly for an informal discussion. We will then guide you through the next steps and ensure you are connected with the appropriate support through the Expert Help programme.  

This is a valuable opportunity to access expert knowledge, strengthen business foundations, and focus on sustainable growth in the year ahead. We encourage any organisation considering improvements to their Health & Safety arrangements to explore the support available through the Expert Help scheme. 

CITB is simplifying how employers access training support and making key changes to the Grants Scheme. While some funding routes are closing, others remain in place- and a new online portal will soon make applications easier. Below is a clear summary of what's changing, what's staying, and what to do next to protect your funding. 

What's Changing

1. New Online CITB Grant Portal

From 24 September 2025, CITB is launching a new digital system, allowing employers to:

2. Skills & Training Fund Closing

From 30 September 2025, the Skills & Training Fund will close. Employer Networks will become the single route for further developing businesses, while the Grants Scheme continues for day-to-day training. September funding will be paid on completion of the agreement under new payment terms.

3. Short Qualification Grant Change

From September 2025, a new grant tier applies to very short “Award” qualifications. The grant will be adjusted to £240 (previously £600), reflecting the shorter length and lower cost of these courses- but still providing valuable support for quick, efficient training.

4. Industry Accreditation Grant Uplift Ends

The enhanced grant for Management and Supervisory qualifications (linked to replacing CSCS Industry Accreditation cards) will end on 31 December 2025. After that, grants revert to the standard £600.  These uplifts were introduced for a period to support the transition away from Grandfather rights to recognised qualifications.  

5. End of “Suggest a Course” Feature 

The “Suggest a Course” initiative is being retired, with Employer Networks now the main channel for shaping training priorities. 

6. Plant Training Standards Updated 

New plant training standards launched on 18 June 2025. Grants will be paid against the new standards (generally £250- £880 depending on category). These must be delivered by a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and carry the CSCS logo, which in practice means operatives will then need to work towards a Vocational Qualification (VQ). Older plant training/test grants will no longer apply for achievements on or after this date. 

7. “Into Work” Grant Pilot End Date 

The "Into Work" grant pilot supports employers by providing financial help for both the work experience component of approved further education courses and a three-month period of direct employment. This pilot will end on 30 November 2025. 

What's Staying

CITB confirms the Grants Scheme continues. Employers can still claim for short courses, qualifications, and apprenticeships across England, Scotland, and Wales. In particular: 

Who's Affected

Key Dates

What You Should Do Now

1. Audit Your Training Plans

Review which staff are partway through qualifications, plant tests, or apprenticeships, and check if they'll complete before the funding rules change. Adjust budgets where achievements fall after rule changes.

2. Register for the New Portal 

Set up CITB Online access before the new system launches on 24 September. You’ll need your CITB Levy number and company details to register. Once logged in, you can manage grant claims, training records, and funding applications through the portal.

3. Join Your Local Employer Network 

With the Skills & Training Fund ending, ENs are now the channel for business development support and training priorities. 

4. Align UK and Scottish Routes 

Map NVQ/SVQ/SCQF pathways to maximise grant opportunities and identify which quals remain at £600 vs £240. 

5. Update Plant Training 

Make sure all training and testing follows the June 2025 standards to remain eligible for grants. 

How Can Raeburn Training Help? 

If you’re looking to maximise access to CITB funding, Raeburn Training can support you from start to finish- from identifying the right grants to managing claims and delivering approved training. Contact our team today on 01592 724 797 or email [email protected].

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