CITB has confirmed changes to its grants and funding arrangements, with transitional measures applying from 8 December 2025 and the new funding model taking effect from 8 January 2026. These updates will affect how construction employers access funding support for training, particularly for short courses and health and safety-related qualifications.

With many employers already planning training well into 2026, understanding these changes now is essential to avoid disruption, unexpected costs or expired certification.

This guide explains what is changing, why it matters, and how employers can plan ahead.

Given the timing of CITB’s announcement in December, many employers may not have been able to adjust training plans before the booking cut-off. From January 2026 onwards, employers should plan on the basis that most short course funding will change and be primarily accessed via Employer Networks.

Why CITB is Changing its Funding Model

CITB has confirmed that demand for grant support has increased significantly in recent years. Since 2021, the number of employers accessing grants has risen by approximately 36%, while the Levy rate has remained unchanged.

To ensure long-term sustainability, CITB is reshaping how funding is allocated, focusing investment on priority skills while encouraging employers to take a more strategic approach to training.

Key CITB Funding Changes from 8 January 2026

Short Course Grant Changes

From 8 January 2026, most short courses will no longer be funded through the standard CITB Grants Scheme, with only limited exceptions (such as certain plant and scaffolding-related training).

Instead, funding for short-duration training will be accessed exclusively through CITB Employer Networks.

Transitional arrangements:

• Courses completed before 7 January 2026 will continue under current grant rules
• Courses booked by 8 December 2025 and delivered between 8 January and 31 March 2026 may still attract existing grant rates, provided evidence of the booking date is available

As the booking cut-off date has now passed, these transitional arrangements apply only to training that was booked before 8 December 2025.

This reinforces the importance of forward planning for 2026, as short course funding arrangements will change from January onwards.

Employer Network Funding: What Employers Need to Know

Under the revised funding model:

• CITB will match-fund up to 50% of eligible training costs
• Health and safety courses will typically be supported at 30% of the average market rate
• Funding is subject to annual Employer Network budgets, which can be exhausted
• First Aid training is not supported through Employer Networks
• Employers must engage with a local CITB adviser to access funding

Employer Networks are now the primary route for funding many essential short courses. Funding is subject to local availability and budget limits, meaning support may vary by region and timing.

Unlike previous arrangements, funding will no longer be applied automatically for most short courses and must be accessed through the appropriate funding route.

Health & Safety Courses Supported via Employer Networks (From January 2026)

While standard short course grants are being withdrawn, CITB has confirmed that selected health and safety courses will continue to receive funding via Employer Networks.

Funding is not automatic and must be accessed through an Employer Network. The figures below show the maximum contribution and do not represent the total course cost.

Core Health & Safety Awareness Courses

Behavioural Safety Courses

Site Supervision, Management & SSP Courses

Specialist & Sector-Specific Health & Safety Courses

*Employer Network contributions represent 30% of the average market rate and are not the total course cost. Funding availability is subject to Employer Network budgets and eligibility.

Qualification Grant Changes

CITB has also confirmed changes to qualification funding:

• The attendance grant for long qualifications is being removed
• A flat £600 achievement grant will be paid upon completion of eligible qualifications
• Level 7 qualifications starting after 8 December 2025 will no longer be supported

These changes do not affect apprenticeships or Scottish Advanced Craft qualifications equivalent to QCF Level 4.

Funding Changes for Large Employers

For employers with 250 or more employees:

• Employer Network funding will continue only until 31 March 2026
• From 1 April 2026, a new large employer funding model will replace Employer Networks

Large employers should plan Employer Network-funded training to complete before the March deadline.

What Employers Should Do Now

To minimise disruption in 2026, employers should:

• Review training plans for early and mid-2026
• Prioritise compliance-critical renewals such as SMSTS, SSSTS, Temporary Works and Health & Safety Awareness
• Plan training based on operational need rather than historic grant levels
• Speak with a CITB adviser early in the new year about Employer Network funding availability
• Avoid delaying essential health and safety training due to uncertainty around grants

While grant support may be lower for some courses, maintaining competence and compliance remains essential for site safety and business continuity.

How Essential Site Skills Can Support You

At Essential Site Skills, we help employers navigate CITB funding changes by:

• identifying which courses remain eligible for Employer Network support
• advising on booking timelines and funding deadlines
• offering flexible delivery options where available
• supporting long-term training planning

Our focus is on helping you maintain compliance, competence and confidence, even as funding arrangements change.