CITB Funding Changes 2026: What Employers Need to Know
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced major updates to its funding and grant system. These changes aim to deliver the greatest value for the greatest number of employers and make better use of the industry Levy.
These updates will significantly affect how construction employers access training support and funding. To help you stay ahead, we have summarised the key dates, changes, and how PIB Risk Management can support you to plan for the year ahead.
Why are these changes happening?
Over the past four years, CITB has seen a 36% increase in demand for its services, fuelled by initiatives such as Employer Networks and the New Entrant Support Team (NEST). However, the Levy rate has not increased during this time. As a result, CITB is now supporting more employers with the same level of income.
To prevent overstretching resources and protect core programmes, some changes are being brought forward more quickly than originally planned.
What’s changing and when?
The changes are being introduced in two phases: January 2026 and April 2026.
Changes from 8 January 2026
- Short course training grants will be removed. Employer Networks will become the main route for funding, with only a small number of courses still directly grant funded.
- Funding through Employer Networks will reduce to 50 percent match funding for most courses, and to 30 percent for Site Safety Plus (SSP) training.
- First Aid training will no longer be eligible for CITB funding.
- Funding for Level 7 qualifications will be stopped.
- Attendance grants for long qualifications will be withdrawn.
- All non-apprentice achievement grants will be standardised at £600.
Changes from 1 April 2026
- Large employers will move to a single large employer funding offer.
- Large employers will no longer be able to access Employer Networks.
What if I already booked training?
- Training booked before 8 December 2025 is protected under the old funding rules.
- Evidence of booking will be required for courses delivered between January and March 2026.
- Large employers must complete any Employer Network funded training by 31 March 2026.
Statement from CITB
“We want to apologise for the short notice of some of these changes. This was done to avoid surge claiming that would put our ability to support employers at risk. While demand is a positive sign, the same Levy income cannot sustain the level of support required. These changes are necessary to ensure we can deliver value and support for the industry as a whole.”
How PIB Risk Management can help
At PIB Risk Management, we are committed to supporting the construction industry to continue training, qualifying, and developing teams despite the funding changes.
We have developed a flexible NVQ delivery model covering Level 2 to Level 6 qualifications that aligns with the CITB grant system. This model allows employers to access grant-funded qualifications at zero net cost.
This means:
- No upfront training costs for eligible NVQs
- Full access to grant-funded qualifications even under the new rules
- Support to maximise available CITB funding before deadlines hit
Our goal is to ensure training remains accessible, commercially viable, and aligned to your operational needs throughout 2026 and beyond.
To discuss your options or get tailored advice, please contact our Training team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing in CITB’s grant and funding system?
CITB is removing certain grants and updating how training support is accessed. Most short course training must now go through Employer Networks, and direct grants are being reduced or removed.
When do the changes come into effect?
Initial changes start from 8 January 2026, with additional changes for large employers from 1 April 2026.
Will First Aid courses still be funded?
No. CITB has confirmed that First Aid training will no longer receive funding after the changes take effect.
What are Employer Networks?
Employer Networks are regional partnerships supported by CITB that allow employers to work together to access training and funding. These will become the main route for short course support.
What is happening for large employers?
From April 2026, large employers will move to a dedicated funding offer and will no longer be eligible to access Employer Networks.
Can I still get funding for NVQs?
Yes. Achievement grants of £600 are still available for NVQs. PIB Risk Management has created a delivery model that allows employers to fully offset NVQ costs using these grants.
What evidence do I need for protected training?
Training booked before 8 December 2025 will still be eligible under current grant rules, but evidence of booking will be required. Speak to your training provider or CITB adviser for documentation guidance.
Need help planning ahead?
Contact our Training team to discuss how PIB Risk Management can help you navigate these changes and continue building a qualified, safe, and competent workforce.
