Important Updates on CITB Grants & Funding for Training

1. Closure of Skills & Training Fund – 30 September 2025

CITB is simplifying its grant system by closing the Skills & Training Fund. From 30 September 2025, employers will access training support exclusively through Employer Networks, with the standard CITB Grants Scheme continuing for core training needs.

Applications approved before the deadline will be honoured.
From September, new applications will be paid upon completion of training.

2. Employer Networks: The Simplified Path

These Networks are now the primary route for accessing training support. Benefits include:

Local, hands-on support for navigating training needs.
Up to 70% upfront training cost coverage and reduced administrative burden.
Nationwide availability, with over 30 regions established across Great Britain.

3. Industry Accreditation Grant Uplift Ends Early

CITB is ending the temporary uplift supporting those transitioning from the Industry Accreditation scheme earlier than planned; now ending 31 December 2025. After this date, support reverts to the standard £600 grant level.

4. New £240 Grant Tier for Short (Award-Level) Qualifications

From September 2025, shorter "Award"-level qualifications will receive a lower grant rate of £240, reflecting their reduced duration and cost.

5. New Online Grant Portal – Launching 24 September 2025

CITB is introducing a modernised, streamlined grant portal. Users will soon be able to:

Apply and track training grants online
Manage access and account details more efficiently
Apply for apprenticeship and qualification grants in one place

What These Changes Mean for Your Business

Action	Recommendation
Apply early	Submit your Skills & Training Fund application before 30 September to benefit from existing terms.
Register with Employer Networks	Gain access to support, funding, and simplified workflows, even for non-grant training.
Complete Industry Accreditation quickly	Do so before the 31 Dec uplift expiry to benefit from enhanced grant levels.
Use Award-level training wisely	If opting for short courses, be aware of the reduced grant rate.
Prepare for the new portal	Explore its launch in September and plan your grant applications accordingly.

What These Changes Mean for Training

While CITB is simplifying how employers access support, the core aim remains the same: to help the construction industry upskill its workforce.

At Pragmatic Consulting, many of the courses we deliver are eligible for CITB funding or support through Employer Networks, including:

CITB Site Safety Suite Courses – including SSSTS, SMSTS, and refresher training
Street Works (NRSWA) Training – for operatives and supervisors
EUSR-Approved Courses – such as Cat & Genny, SHEA, and Utility Safety training
First Aid at Work – tailored for construction and utilities environments

Importantly, we’ve also seen 100% of our courses supported through Employer Networks, even those not traditionally eligible under previous CITB schemes. This includes specialist training such as NG Person, NG Competent Person, CDAE, PC Rep, Impressed Voltages, HSG47 HV Subs, and CDM.

This means that whether your workforce requires core compliance training or specialist utility qualifications, there are still opportunities to access funding support and reduce overall training costs.

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