CITB Large Employer Fund
The CITB Large Employer Fund is an interim funding offer available from 1st April 2026, allowing eligible employers to apply for up to £18,000 towards the cost of eligible, in-scope training.
This fund provides an alternative route for large employers who will no longer access funding through CITB Employer Networks and must instead apply directly to CITB.
Who is this for?
The fund is available to employers who:
- Employ 250 or more PAYE staff (as declared on their Levy Return)
- Are CITB levy registered and up to date with payments
- Submit one application per levy registration number
How does it work?
Large employers apply directly to CITB for a funding allocation.
Applications must clearly demonstrate:
- The business need for training
- The expected impact on the workforce
- The outcomes the training will achieve
Funding is subject to CITB approval and is paid to the employer following validation of their training plan or evidence of completed training.
How much funding is available?
Employers can apply for:
- Up to £18,000 (subject to CITB approval)
Funding must be used for training delivered between:
- 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027
How to apply
To apply, employers must:
- Complete the CITB Request for Funding form
- Submit this directly to CITB (not via a training provider)
- Provide supporting information depending on the application route
Only one expression of interest per employer is permitted.
Two ways to access the fund
Option 1 – Annual Training Plan
Employers can submit a training plan for the year ahead, outlining:
- Planned training activity
- Business needs and skills gaps
- Expected outcomes
This allows CITB to assess how the funding will be used across the year.
Option 2 – Evidence via Invoices
If a full training plan is not available:
- Employers can submit the Request for Funding form
- Provide training invoices at agreed review points
- CITB will assess and validate the training activity before releasing funding
What can the funding be used for?
The fund can be used for:
- Eligible, in-scope training not already supported through the CITB Grants Scheme
- Short course training aligned to business needs
- Leadership and management development (where applicable)
- Construction-related training that supports workforce development
What is not covered?
The fund does not cover:
- Training already supported through the CITB Grants Scheme
(e.g. many plant and scaffolding courses) - Apprenticeships or qualifications funded through other routes
- In-house training delivery
- First Aid training
- Consultancy, membership or registration fees
- Software, licences or equipment
- Travel, accommodation or subsistence
- VAT
Key dates
- Applications open: 1st April 2026
- Deadline for expressions of interest: 30th June 2026
- Training period: April 2026 – March 2027
Important to know
- Employers must apply directly to CITB
- Funding is not guaranteed and is subject to approval
- Payment is made to the employer, not the training provider
- Employers must evidence training activity to receive funding
- Early application is recommended
How Essential Site Skills can support you
While applications must be submitted directly by your business, our team can:
- Help identify eligible courses aligned to CITB requirements
- Support you in building a compliant training plan
- Provide clear course costs and availability
- Ensure your training supports your application and evidence requirements
If you’d like support planning your training, get in touch with our team.