Raeburn Training

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].

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

The CITB Construction Skills Certification Scheme was created to raise standards across the construction industry, confirming identities and skill levels in many areas of construction employment, from bricklayers and plasterers to supervisors and managers. However, the route to gaining your CSCS card can seem complicated at first, especially if it is your first time going through the process. Whether you are an individual looking to gain their CSCS card, or a business looking to put their employees through the training, Raeburn Training will guide you through the process.

How Do I know if I Need a CSCS Card?

Having a CSCS card is not actually a legal requirement to be able to get onto a work site. So why would you need one?

It is up to the contractor or client whether a CSCS card is required for you to get onto a work site or not. Even though the CSCS card is not a legal requirement for you to get onto a work site, you are legally requirement for all employees to have the necessary training to carry out the required work. (The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015) A CSCS Card is a great way to prove that you have the required training for the job along with a basic understanding of health and safety. CSCS Card are becoming a mandatory requirement for more and more contractors and businesses, not matter how big or small to ensure that people on their sites are meeting the legal requirements.

What Has Changed?

As of the end of 2024, Construction Skills Certification Scheme announced that there will be a slight change regarding the green labourer card which is effective from the 1st of February 2025. These new rules mean that any individual who is applying for their INITIAL green labourer card will have a reduced expiry date from five years down to two. If the worker then continues to work within a labouring role, they can go onto renew their card for five years. However, these rules have been brought into place to stop the oversupply of labourer cards across the UK. So, to be able to do this you must be able to provide supporting evidence that you are still employed within a labouring role.

To support these rule changes the CITB health, safety and environmental test that accompanies the two – year card application how has an increased validity. It has increased from two years to three years, this is to allow it to be used for renewal without any financial burden.

How Do I Get a CSCS Card?

Here at Raeburn Training, we guide and support individuals through the process of gaining their CSCS card whether you are an individual or a business looking for their team to gain or renew their card. The type of card that you apply for is all down to your skills, qualifications and experience. However, the most common card is the green labourer’s card. You can find more about other cards here (insert link)

There are three steps towards gaining your CSCS card: Qualification, CSCS Touch Screen Test and the Card Application.

Step One – Qualification

To be able to gain your green labourer card you must have a qualification. For a green labourer card, the qualifications can include an entry level health and safety training course. For example, health and safety awareness or REHIS Elementary Health and Safety, certificate. This is to prove that you have an achievement of a trade or qualification.

Book a space on our Health and Safety Awareness or REHIS Elementary Health and Safety training courses (links)

Step Two – CITB HS&E Test

More commonly known as the CSCS Touch Screen Test is the second step towards gaining you CSCS card. There is strict rules and conditions when it comes to taking you CSCS test at our internet test centre in Kirkcaldy, with up to six people completing their test each session.

The CSCS test consists of fifty questions, and the to pass you must achieve 45/50. There are four main topics that the questions cover, these are working environment, occupational health, safety and high-risk activities. The CITB database has over 1000 questions, and you will be allocated 50 random multiple-choice questions when sitting your test. Raeburn training does not have access to the database and has zero control over what questions you will be given.

There are many ways to prepare yourself for sitting your CSCS test. You can download the CITB Op/Spec HS&E test app from the app or play store. The app gives you access to revisions materials and allows you to participate in mock CSCS tests. Find out more about what happens on the day of your test here. (insert link)

If you would feel more comfortable with the questions being read out to you as well as written out, there is an audio voice over option available in English for all types of CSCS tests. Furthermore, if English is not, you first language, you may request a voice over in the following languages. Bulgarian, Czech, French, German, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian and Spanish. Just make sure to let us know at the time of booking.

If you have completed your health and safety training, you can book your CSCS touch screen test here. (insert link)

Step Three – CSCS Card Application

Here at Raeburn Training, we are happy to support our clients when it comes to applying for their CSC. If you hold a CSCS Card that is above a green labourer’s card they are treated as a renewable. This means that the supporting qualification you hold does not expire. However, the green labourer’s card can’t be renewed. This card requires a full application to be filled out at expiry each time which means you would also need to renew you supporting qualification at this point.

I'm excited to talk about health and safety training academies. They are key for new workers to learn how to be safe and do their job well. It's crucial for new workers to get good health and safety training to start their career right.

A training academy gives you a solid base. They offer special training for different industries, including health and safety. At Raeburn Training, we have custom academy solutions. You can email [email protected] to talk about what you need.

The IOSH Academy also offers important qualifications like the IOSH Certificate and Diploma. These are great for new and future professionals. I think a health and safety training academy is a great place to begin your career.

For new workers, knowing about health and safety in the workplace is very important. A training academy teaches you the skills and knowledge needed to work safely. I believe it's a vital step in your career.

With the right training, you can have a safe and successful career. I highly suggest starting with a health and safety training academy.

Understanding the Role of Training Academies in Modern Industry

Training academies are key in today's industry. They give people the skills to work safely and well. Bespoke academy design is important because it means training can be made just for different industries. This includes construction and manufacturing.

Academies like Raeburn Training help cut down on accidents and boost work efficiency. They offer training that fits the needs of each industry.

In multiple industries, health and safety training is very important. For example, in construction, training in scaffolding and excavation is vital. In manufacturing, learning about machinery operation and maintenance is crucial.

Training academies can create specific solutions for each sector's challenges. This way, they meet the unique needs of each industry.

Studies show that good training can make workplaces safer and more productive. Investing in bespoke academy design and custom training brings many benefits. These include fewer accidents, happier workers, and better performance.

As we face the challenges of modern industry, the role of training academies will become even more vital. They will keep providing specialized training solutions.

Comprehensive Health and Safety Training for Multiple Sectors

I understand how vital health and safety training is across industries like construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Raeburn Training offers in-depth training that helps both workers and companies. It boosts job chances and makes workplaces safer and more secure.

Companies gain by showing they care about their workers' health and the environment. This improves their standing in the market. Employer led academy and employability academy offer custom training that fits business and individual needs.

Every year, many workplace accidents happen because of poor safety measures. These accidents cause serious injuries and big financial losses. Strong health and safety training can cut down these risks. It helps businesses avoid costly claims and lower insurance costs.

Following safety rules also shields companies from legal trouble and big fines. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 makes employers responsible for a safe work place and proper training. Choosing a trusted provider like Raeburn Training ensures quality health and safety training that meets specific needs.

Transform Your Workforce with Raeburn Training's Bespoke Academy Solutions

Raeburn Training'semployer led academysolutions can change your workforce. They offer customengineeringtraining for your business needs. By working with Raeburn Training, you show you care about your employees and the planet. This boosts your reputation and makes you more competitive.

Ouremployability academyprograms help your team grow. This means fewer accidents and more work done. If you're interested, email [email protected]. Our team will help you find the right training for your goals.

Our health and safety training also helps your team feel more secure. It opens up new job chances for them. By investing in your team, you help them reach their best and stay ahead in engineering.

Don't miss the chance to improve your business with Raeburn Training's academy solutions. Contact us to see how we can help your team grow and succeed.

Workplace safety should always be a top priority for businesses across all industries. As an employer, you have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment for your employees, however, accidents and incidents do happen and can lead to injury, damage, and even loss of life. That's where the hierarchy of risk controls comes into play.

The hierarchy of risk controls is a systematic approach to minimising and controlling workplace hazards. It offers a clear roadmap for employers to follow in order to create a safer work environment, reducing the likelihood and consequences of potential hazards. Risk = Likelihood x Consequence.

 

Safety Measures in the Hierarchy of Risk Controls

​In any workplace, safety should always be a top priority. Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from harm and create a safe working environment. One way to accomplish this is by implementing a hierarchy of controls, which outlines the most effective strategies for reducing risks and ensuring safety.

The first step in this hierarchy is the elimination of risk. This means identifying and removing any hazards or potential dangers from the workplace. By eliminating the source of risk altogether, employers can greatly reduce the chance of accidents occurring. For example, if there is a faulty piece of machinery that poses a risk to workers, it should be immediately repaired or replaced to ensure their safety.

If complete elimination of risk is not possible, the next step is substitution. This involves replacing a hazardous material, equipment, or process with a safer alternative. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. For instance, if a toxic chemical is being used in a manufacturing process consider if it can be substituted with a less harmful substance to protect the workers.

However, if elimination or substitution is not feasible, employers need to focus on implementing other risk controls that reduce the consequences of potential accidents. This includes strategies such as engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures help to minimise the severity of injuries or damage in case an accident does occur.

 

Administrative Controls: How to Enhance Workplace Safety Through Policies and Procedures

​In any work environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is of utmost importance. One effective way to achieve this is through the implementation of administrative controls. These controls refer to the policies and procedures put in place to control risk, reduce hazards, and minimize the consequences of accidents or incidents in the workplace.

Administrative controls involve establishing clear guidelines and protocols that outline the expected behaviors and actions of employees in terms of safety. This can include procedures for incident reporting, emergency response plans, and regular safety training programs. By establishing these protocols, organisations can effectively control risk and reduce the likelihood of accidents or injuries occurring.

Another aspect of administrative controls is the identification and reduction of hazards within the workplace. Hazards can range from physical risks such as slippery floors or faulty machinery, to psychological risks such as workplace stress or bullying. By conducting regular inspections and risk assessments, organisations can identify and eliminate these hazards, ensuring a safer work environment for their employees.

Moreover, administrative controls focus on reducing the consequences of accidents or incidents that do occur. A large part of this is related to providing appropriate training and education to employees. Training programs should focus on hazard recognition, safe work practices, and the proper use of protective equipment. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and skills, organisations can empower them to identify potential hazards and take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk. Additionally, supervisors and managers must lead by example and enforce safety protocols and practices in the workplace. Consistent reinforcement of safety procedures encourages a culture of safety and reminds employees of the importance of following guidelines to eliminate hazards before they occur.

 

IOSH Managing Safely

​The IOSH Managing Safely course is a valuable training program that offers numerous benefits for individuals and organisations alike. One of the key advantages of this course is its focus on reducing consequences related to safety incidents in the workplace. By equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills, the course aims to minimise the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and other undesirable outcomes.

One way in which the IOSH Managing Safely course achieves this is through promoting a proactive approach to health and safety. Participants learn about risk assessment techniques, hazard identification, safe working practises, and risk control measures. By becoming proactive in managing potential risks, organisations can prevent incidents from occurring in the first place, not only protecting employees from harm but also safeguarding the company's reputation and financial well-being.

IOSH Managing Safely emphasises creating a postivie safety culture within organisations. Participants are taught the importance of effective communication, leadership, and employee engagement when it comes to health and safety. By fostering a positive safety culture, organisations can encourage employees to actively contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, leading to increased employee morale, productivity, and overall business success.

By focusing on reducing consequences related to safety incidents, this IOSH Managing Safely promotes a proactive approach to health and safety, through the development of a postivie safety culture and the identification and assessment of potential risks and hazards. This means candidates are better equipped to prevent accidents and protect both employees and businesses. Investing in this course can have long-lasting positive impacts on your workplace safety and overall organisational success.

Book your space on our next course online - https://raeburntraining.co.uk/courses/iosh/iosh-managing-safely/

​

chevron-down