Construction training is essential, but it can become expensive quickly, especially for employers booking multiple workers onto site safety, supervision, plant, environmental or NVQ routes.

For construction businesses across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands, CITB Employer Network funding may help reduce the cost of eligible training and make it easier to plan workforce development.

In simple terms, CITB Employer Network funding helps eligible construction employers access support towards approved training, reducing the cost of upskilling their teams.

Essential Site Skills supports employers across the East Midlands with training options including SMSTS, SSSTS, Temporary Works, SEATS, plant training, CPCS, NPORS and construction NVQs.

Need help checking your options? Call 0115 8970 529 or send an enquiry.

Which route should you take?

What are CITB Employer Networks?

CITB Employer Networks are designed to help construction employers access training and funding support more easily.

Instead of employers having to navigate every funding route alone, Employer Networks help identify local training needs and support businesses with access to suitable training. For East Midlands employers, this can be especially useful when planning courses for supervisors, site managers, operatives, plant operators and workers progressing through NVQs.

This makes Employer Networks a useful route for companies in areas such as:

• Nottingham
• Mansfield
• Newark
• Derby
• Chesterfield
• Ilkeston
• Burton upon Trent
• Leicester
• Loughborough
• Lincoln
• Northampton
• The wider East Midlands region

Why East Midlands employers should look at this now

Training costs can stack up quickly, especially if you need to qualify several workers, supervisors or managers at the same time. CITB Employer Network funding can help employers plan training more strategically, rather than booking reactively when a qualification is about to expire or a site requirement suddenly appears.

This is particularly relevant for employers booking courses such as:

• CITB SMSTS 
• CITB SSSTS 
• CITB Training Courses 
• Temporary Works training
• SEATS environmental training
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Construction NVQs

Planning early also helps you secure suitable dates, locations and delivery formats before course places disappear into the booking fog.

Want us to help you choose the right course?

We can help you match your team’s roles to the right training route, then explain how funding may fit around your booking.

View upcoming dates on our Training Calendar or contact our team.

What training may be funded?

Funding availability can depend on your business, CITB registration, location, course type and current Employer Network rules. However, training that may be relevant to East Midlands employers could include the following routes.

Who may be eligible?

CITB Employer Network support is generally aimed at eligible construction employers. Eligibility may depend on factors such as:

• Whether your business is CITB-registered
• Your levy status
• Your business size
• Your location
• The type of training required
• Local Employer Network availability
• Whether funding is still available at the time of enquiry

Employers in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the East Midlands should check the official CITB Employer Networks page and speak to Essential Site Skills for help identifying suitable training options.

How Essential Site Skills can help East Midlands employers

Essential Site Skills can help construction employers move from “we need training” to a clear, booked route.

That may include:

• Identifying which employees need which course
• Helping you compare SMSTS, SSSTS, Temporary Works, SEATS, plant training and NVQ options
• Explaining possible funding routes
• Helping you plan training around project dates
• Providing course links and booking options
• Supporting employers with multiple bookings
• Helping avoid wrong-course bookings, the admin gremlin nobody invited

You can start by visiting the Funding and Grants hub, browsing CITB Training Courses, or checking live availability on the Training Calendar.

FAQs

What is CITB Employer Network funding?

CITB Employer Network funding is designed to help eligible construction employers access support for approved training. It helps employers identify training needs and reduce the cost of workforce development.

Is CITB Employer Network funding available in the East Midlands?

CITB provides Employer Network support across local areas, including the East Midlands. Employers should check the official CITB Employer Networks page and speak to ESS about suitable course options.

Can Nottinghamshire employers access CITB Employer Network funding?

Eligible construction employers in Nottinghamshire may be able to access support, depending on CITB registration, business size, course type and current funding availability.

Can Derbyshire employers access CITB Employer Network funding?

Eligible construction employers in Derbyshire may also be able to access support through the relevant CITB Employer Network route, subject to availability and eligibility.

Can funding be used for SMSTS?

SMSTS may be eligible for support depending on the funding route and your circumstances. You can view the course here: CITB SMSTS.

Can funding be used for SSSTS?

SSSTS may be eligible where funding is available and the employer meets the relevant criteria. You can view the course here: CITB SSSTS.

Can funding be used for NVQs?

Some NVQ routes may be supported through CITB funding routes, depending on eligibility and the qualification. Visit the Training Courses and NVQs hub to explore available options.

What if I am not sure which course my team needs?

Use our SMSTS vs SSSTS guide or contact ESS for help choosing the right training route.

Still not sure which route to take?

If you are based in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire or elsewhere in the East Midlands, Essential Site Skills can help you understand your options and choose suitable training for your team.

Call 0115 8970 529 or send an enquiry.

Related courses and routes

• CITB Employer Network Funding 
• Funding and Grants 
• CITB Training Courses 
• CITB SMSTS Course
• CITB SSSTS Course 
• SMSTS vs SSSTS Guide 
• Training Calendar