CITB Funding & Grants 2026 – What Construction Employers Need to Know

CITB funding and grants have changed significantly. From 8 January 2026, CITB introduced a new funding system designed to make training support more sustainable, locally led, and better aligned with employer needs across the construction industry.

This page explains how CITB funding now works, what training may still be supported, and how Goldcross Training can help you navigate the new system and access funding wherever possible.

CITB Funding Changes Explained (From January 2026)

CITB has moved away from the traditional short-course grant model where fixed grant amounts were paid automatically for courses such as SMSTS, SSSTS and HSA.

From 8 January 2026, most short course funding is no longer available through the standard CITB Grants Scheme. Instead, training support is now primarily accessed through CITB Employer Networks, which operate locally and allocate funding based on employer demand and available budgets.

These changes were introduced to:

Protect the long-term sustainability of levy funding
Ensure training support is targeted where it is most needed
Give employers greater influence over local training priorities

How CITB Employer Networks Work

The CITB Employer Network is now the main route for accessing funding support for construction training.

Employer Networks are locally managed and funded by CITB. When you join, you work with a local Employer Network adviser who helps you identify training needs, arrange courses, and secure funding contributions where available.

Key features of Employer Networks include:

Local decision-making based on regional industry needs
Simplified access to training funding
No complex grant applications
Funding allocated from annual network budgets

Funding levels vary depending on the course, location, and network priorities, and employers are usually required to make a contribution alongside CITB support.

What Training Can Be Funded Through CITB?

Training funded through Employer Networks is assessed on a case-by-case basis, rather than through a fixed list of grant-eligible courses.

In practice, Employer Network funding may be available for:

Health and safety training
Supervisory and management courses
Compliance and refresher training
Classroom-based, online, in-house and eLearning courses

Courses do not always need to be mapped to a CITB standard, making Employer Networks a more flexible funding route than previous grant schemes.

Short Course Funding (SMSTS, SSSTS, HSA and More)

From January 2026:

Most short course grants are no longer paid through the standard CITB Grants Scheme
Courses such as SMSTS, SSSTS, HSA and refresher courses must now be supported through Employer Networks where funding is available
Funding availability and employer contributions vary by region and network

A small number of specialist training areas, such as plant and scaffolding, may still attract traditional short course grants under the revised scheme.

Transitional Arrangements

Training completed before 8 January 2026 may still qualify for the old grant rates
Training booked before 8 December 2025 and completed by 31 March 2026 may also qualify, subject to the submission of suitable supporting evidence

Qualification & Achievement Grants

CITB qualification funding has also been simplified.

From January 2026:

Many recognised construction qualifications now attract a standard £600 achievement grant
Tiered and enhanced qualification grants have been removed
Level 7 qualifications are subject to specific start and completion conditions

Qualification grants remain separate from Employer Network funding and are claimed once the qualification has been successfully achieved.

Who Is Eligible for CITB Funding?

To access CITB funding or Employer Network support, your business must:

Be registered with CITB
Have submitted your most recent levy return
Be up to date with levy payments

There is no restriction on business size — small, medium and large construction employers can all access Employer Network support if eligible.

How Goldcross Training Can Help You Access CITB Funding

Navigating the new CITB funding system can be confusing. Goldcross Training works closely with CITB Employer Networks and construction employers to help identify funding opportunities and support training planning.

We can:

Explain how the new funding system applies to your business
Help you engage with your local Employer Network adviser
Advise on which courses may be eligible for funding
Support your training plans to maximise available funding

Need help accessing CITB funding?
Speak to our team today and we’ll guide you through your options and help you secure training support wherever possible.

CITB Funding & Grants – Summary

While CITB grants and funding have changed, financial support for construction training is still available. The key difference is how that support is accessed.

By working with Employer Networks and planning training strategically, construction employers can continue to develop their workforce while benefiting from CITB funding contributions.

For official guidance, you can also visit the CITB Grants & Funding section of the CITB website.

CITB Funding FAQ

Are SMSTS and SSSTS courses still funded by CITB?

SMSTS, SSSTS and other Site Safety Plus courses are no longer automatically funded through the standard CITB Grants Scheme. Funding for these courses is now provided through Employer Networks, depending on local priorities and budget availability.

Can Goldcross Training help with CITB funding?

Yes. Goldcross Training works with construction employers and Employer Networks to help identify funding opportunities and guide businesses through the process of accessing CITB training support.

Can I still claim CITB grants for qualifications?

Yes. Qualification and achievement grants are still available. From 2026, many recognised construction qualifications attract a standard achievement grant, which can be claimed once the qualification has been successfully completed.

Can I use Employer Network funding alongside other CITB grants?

Employer Network funding can be used alongside other CITB funding routes, provided the same course is not funded twice. Your Employer Network adviser can confirm what funding combinations are permitted.

Does CITB funding apply to online and in-house training?

Yes. Employer Network funding may be available for classroom-based, online, in-house (dedicated), and eLearning courses, depending on local network approval and training relevance.

How do I apply for CITB funding?

Most training funding must now be arranged through your local Employer Network adviser. They will help identify eligible training, confirm funding availability, and support the booking process.

How much funding can I get through a CITB Employer Network?

Funding levels vary depending on the Employer Network, course type, and location. Employers are usually required to contribute towards training costs, with the remaining amount supported through the network. Funding is not guaranteed and is subject to local budgets.

What is a CITB Employer Network?

A CITB Employer Network is a locally managed funding programme that helps construction employers access training support. Employers work with a local adviser who helps plan training and secure funding contributions where available, reducing the need for complex grant applications.

What is CITB funding and how does it work in 2026?

CITB funding helps construction employers offset the cost of training and qualifications. From January 2026, most short course funding is no longer paid through fixed grants. Instead, employers access training support mainly through CITB Employer Networks, which allocate funding locally based on employer needs and available budgets.

Who is eligible for CITB funding?

To access CITB funding or Employer Network support, your business must be registered with CITB, have submitted its most recent levy return, and be up to date with levy payments. There is no restriction on employer size.

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