The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has confirmed significant updates to its funding model that will affect how construction employers access CITB training grants and funding from January and April 2026.
These changes are designed to make CITB funding more sustainable and ensure training investment targets the skills the construction industry needs most.
The two most important developments are:
- Employer Networks becoming the main route for CITB short course funding
- The launch of a new CITB Large Employer Fund from April 2026
For many employers, this will change how they access funding for essential training such as:
- CITB Level 1 Health & Safety Awareness course
- SSSTS – Site Supervisor’s Safety Training Scheme Course
- SMSTS – Site Managers Safety Training Scheme Course
- CSCS card training and tests
- Construction NVQs
Understanding the new system will help employers maximise their CITB grant funding in 2026 and beyond.
Employer Networks: The Main Route for CITB Short Course Funding
Employer Networks were originally introduced by CITB to give construction businesses more influence over how training funding is distributed locally.
From 8 January 2026, they will become the primary way employers access CITB funding for short training courses.
This means many courses that were previously funded through the CITB Short Course Grant Scheme will now be funded through local Employer Networks instead.
How CITB Employer Networks Funding Works
Under the updated system, construction companies can work with their local Employer Network adviser to access training support.
Key features include:
- CITB will match fund 50% of eligible training costs
- Site Safety Plus training will typically receive 30% funding
- Training budgets will be allocated annually to each network
- Employers must apply through their Employer Network rather than directly to CITB
This funding can be used to support a range of essential construction training courses, including:
- SMSTS – Site Management Safety Training Scheme
- SSSTS – Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme
- Health and Safety Awareness training
- CSCS Green Labourer Card courses
Employer Networks aim to make training funding more responsive to local workforce needs, helping companies upskill workers more efficiently.
Important CITB Funding Changes Employers Should Know
Alongside Employer Networks becoming the main funding route, CITB has introduced several additional changes to grants and training support.
Changes to CITB Qualification Grants
CITB has simplified its qualification grant structure.
Key changes include:
- A standardised achievement grant of £600 for most qualifications
- Attendance grants for longer qualifications removed
- Level 7 qualifications no longer funded for new starters
However, construction NVQs and competence qualifications will still receive funding support.
These qualifications are often required for workers applying for CSCS cards and skilled worker status, including:
- NVQ Level 2 Construction courses
- NVQ Level 3 Construction courses
- NVQ Level 6 Construction Management
New CITB Large Employer Fund Launching April 2026
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a new CITB Large Employer Fund, launching on 1 April 2026.
This fund will be specifically designed for construction companies with 250 or more employees.
From 31 March 2026, large employers will no longer access funding through Employer Networks. Instead, they will use the Large Employer Fund to support their training programmes.
The goal of this new fund is to:
- Provide more strategic funding support for large construction companies
- Support long-term workforce planning
- Encourage investment in industry-wide skills development
Further details about how the fund will operate are expected to be released by CITB as the launch date approaches.
Key CITB Funding Dates for 2026
Construction employers should be aware of several key milestones.
Important dates include:
- 8 January 2026 – Employer Networks become the main route for CITB short course funding
- 31 March 2026 – Large employers lose access to Employer Networks funding
- 1 April 2026 – New CITB Large Employer Fund launches
Planning training early will help employers secure funding before budgets are allocated.
What These CITB Funding Changes Mean for Construction Training
For small and medium-sized construction companies, Employer Networks will become the main gateway to accessing CITB training grants.
To maximise funding opportunities, employers should:
- Plan workforce training earlier in the year
- Speak with their local Employer Network adviser
- Prioritise their mandatory safety training requirements
Large employers should begin preparing for the transition to the new CITB Large Employer Fund in April 2026.
Need CITB-Funded Construction Training?
If your business wants to make the most of CITB funding and Employer Networks support, now is the time to plan your workforce training.
Our team delivers a wide range of CITB accredited construction safety courses, including:
👉 Contact us today to discuss your CITB funded training options and upcoming course dates.