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Unlock Funding for Workforce Training with the CITB Grants Scheme

Unlock Funding for Workforce Training with the CITB Grants Scheme

Companies in the construction sector can significantly reduce the cost burden of staff training through the CITB Grants Scheme, making essential qualifications more accessible and cost-effective.

What Is the CITB Grants Scheme?

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) offers grants to employers, regardless of their size, who provide training for construction-related skills. The scheme ensures the industry has a skilled, certified workforce, aligned with recognised standards.

Eligible employers include all CITB-registered companies (including those that don’t pay the levy), so long as their levy returns are up to date.

Types of Grants Available

CITB funding is structured to support a wide range of training needs:

Apprenticeships – Up to £2,500 per year for attendance and £3,500 for completion.
Long qualifications – For courses longer than 1 year (HNC/HND/degree), up to £1,125 per year for attendance and £1,875 for achievement.
Short qualifications – Level 2+ NVQs/Diplomas, with awards between £300–£1,500 depending on level and duration.
Short courses – From 3 hours to 29 days, grants based on duration and content, with refresher grants at half value.
Into Work grants – £500 for work experience completion, £1,000 when candidates are employed for 3 months.
Advanced Craft (Scotland only) – £22.50/day (up to 35 days), plus £2,037.50 for SQA certification.

Benefits for Construction Employers

Offset training costs: Grants help cover up to roughly 70% of training fees.
Boost workforce capability: Funding supports upskilling, reducing recruitment costs and improving productivity.
Expand career pathways: Encourages apprenticeships, aiding long-term talent development.
Support for SMEs: Smaller firms can benefit from dedicated funding streams like the Skills & Training Fund and Employer Network.

How Much Is Being Paid Out?

In the 2024–25 financial year alone, CITB awarded nearly £130 million in grants:

£71.4m for apprenticeships
£20m for qualification grants
£30.5m for short courses

These figures underscore CITB’s commitment to professional development across the UK workforce.

Other Funding Schemes to Explore

Skills & Training Fund: Offers £10k–£25k annually for SMEs and medium businesses for long-term training initiatives.
Employer Network: Simplifies access to training with 70% funding and advisory support from local CITB networks.

How to Access CITB Grants

Step	Action
1	Register with CITB and maintain up-to-date levy returns
2	Choose eligible training from CITB’s list of approved courses
3	Pay upfront, complete the training, and ensure qualification is achieved
4	Submit claim within the specified timeframe (typically 52 weeks)
5	Receive payment via bank transfer (usually within four weeks)

Unlock Skills and Growth for Your Business

The CITB Grants Scheme helps you deliver impactful, cost-effective training for your workforce. From apprentices to CPD-focused short courses, this funding enables you to maintain safety, compliance, and competitiveness.

Some examples of eligible courses are our suite of CITB Site Safety Courses.

Want help identifying eligible courses or submitting claims? Contact us today—we’re here to help you leverage CITB support to build a stronger, safer, and more capable workforce.