There are major changes coming to the CITB Grant Scheme:-
New Short Qualification Grant Tier
As the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) continues to review training across the industry, they have decided to make some rapid changes to the achievement grant for short qualifications.
From September 2025, they will be introducing a new grant tier for some ‘short period’ qualifications in order to ensure that CITB funding is being utilised effectively to optimise impact.
As a result for achievements from September 2025, any qualification achieved at an ‘Award level’ will receive the grant value of £240 (rather than the existing £600).
‘Award’ level qualifications typically have a shorter duration with fewer modules to complete, and the cost to undertake this level is usually lower, therefore this is reflected in the new grant payment.
Early End To Short Qualification Grant: Industry Accreditation Uplift
The CITB have supported over 11.5k individuals with the Industry Accreditation grant uplift on Management and Supervision qualifications. Initially it was intended to keep this uplift in place until the end of March 2026 but in an effort to ensure the most suitable use of industry funds, this uplift will be removed at the end of December 2025. Once the uplift is removed, grants to support these qualifications will return to £600 from the current maximum claimable of: £1250 for a Supervisor NVQ and £1500 for a management NVQ (that’s a hefty reduction!).
Hence, if you wish to make full use of the grant as it currently stands we suggest you both register for and complete your NVQ qualification asap and by no later than 15 December 2025, this should provide you sufficient time to get the relative paperwork sorted out with CITB prior to the 31 December 2025 closure date.
Into Work Grant Pilot: Brought To An End
The ‘Into Work grant’ pilot was introduced in 2023 to support employers to provide the work experience element of post-16 further education courses, to enable progression for individuals into the construction industry. This pilot will now end on 30 November 2025.
New Online Grant Portal: To Be Introduced
To modernise access to funding, the CITB will launch a new ‘Online Services Platform‘ on the: 24 September 2025. Through this portal it is intended that employers will be able to:
- Apply for Apprenticeship and Qualification grants online
- Track their application status
- Manage account access more efficiently and easily
What You Should Do Right Now!
Act fast – grant timelines are tight
If you are an employer and wish to make use of the existing CITB Grant Scheme and in particular the enhanced grant rates i.e. you need or want some of your staff to complete a:
get them enrolled as soon as practicably possible ensuring that they complete the qualification in good time and definitely before the 31 December 2025 cutoff, in order to retain the higher funding.
If you are an employee wishing to undertake a construction supervisory or management NVQ qualification course (and your employer pays the CITB levy), make sure that your employer is aware of these changes as they may impact their ability to fund you on these qualifications in the future.
Use the Skills & Training Fund while it’s still available
check and apply before 30 September 2025 to confirm your needs qualify. After that, you will need to access support via your Local Employer Network.
Get to know your local Employer Network
This will be the main channel for accessing funding, so connecting with them early is essential.
Get ready for the new portal
From 24 September 2025, you’ll be able to apply and track grants online. Make sure your systems and staff are ready to use it.
Plan quickly for the reduced grant rates
From 2026, grant levels for NVQs will fall significantly – from the current maximum of £1,500 down to £600. If you’re planning to enhance the qualifications of your staff, act before the year-end deadline.