From January 2026, changes to CITB grants and funding will affect how some builders access support for training.
We know these changes may impact members and therefore we’d welcome feedback on training programmes that could be impacted as a consequence. The announcement from CITB was short and sharp, leaving little time for preparation. We have found communication from CITB on this matter and other recent announcements unsatisfactory. We are in constant dialogue with the CITB to mitigate the potential consequences on our members. We’re also exploring other funding routes for training where possible.
Below you will find straightforward information about what’s changing, what support is still available, and how you can continue to access CITB funding where it applies.
We’ve set out the key changes below, along with some practical steps you can take.
Why CITB is changing its funding offer
CITB has seen a significant increase in the number of employers accessing grants and funding over recent years, without an increase in the Levy rate that building firms need to pay to access the funding. As a result, demand for funding is expected to exceed the money coming in through the Levy.
To manage this, CITB is refocusing its funding on training that it believes will have the biggest impact on tackling skills shortages across the construction industry.
When are the CITB changes coming into effect?
Most of the changes to grants and funding will apply from 8 January 2026.
Some transitional arrangements are in place for training that was booked before 8 December 2025, all of which are explained below.
Changes to short course training funding
From January 2026, most short course training will no longer be funded through the standard CITB Grants Scheme.
What will no longer be covered
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The majority of short-duration training courses will be removed from the grants scheme.
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First Aid training will no longer receive CITB funding.
What will still be supported
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Apprenticeship grants and funding.
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Plant operations, scaffolding and some specialist courses will continue to attract funding.
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The full list of eligible courses is available on the CITB website.
Existing bookings
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Short courses booked before 8 December 2025 can still be paid at current grant rates, as long as you can provide evidence of the booking date.
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Training completed between 8 January and 31 March 2026 will be honoured if it was booked before the December deadline.
Employer Networks: the main route for short course funding
Going forward, support for most short course training will be delivered through CITB Employer Networks rather than the grants scheme. Training must be identified and booked with support from a CITB adviser.
How Employer Network funding works
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CITB will contribute up to 50% of the cost of eligible training.
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Health and safety-related training will be funded at 30% of the average market rate.
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Funding is limited by an annual budget – it isn’t guaranteed to be available.
Changes to qualification grants
There are also changes to how longer qualifications are funded.
What’s changing
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Attendance grants for long qualifications will be removed.
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A single achievement grant of £600 will be paid on completion.
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Level 7 qualifications will no longer be supported.
What is not affected
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Level 7 apprenticeships remain funded.
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Scottish Advanced Craft qualifications at SCQF Level 7 are unaffected.
What this means for large employers
Although this will not apply to the majority of FMB members, it may be worth noting that from 31 March 2026, large employers (over 250 employees) will no longer be able to access Employer Network funding.
CITB has said it will develop a new funding offer for large employers during early 2026, with a planned launch from 1 April 2026.
What builders should do now
If you pay the CITB Levy or are planning training in the next year, there are some practical steps you can take.
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Review and prioritise your training needs.
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Use Employer Networks to access funding for eligible courses.
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If you are planning short course training, speak to a CITB adviser as early as possible. You can access them via your Employer Network.
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Keep records of any training booked before 8 December 2025.
If you are not currently using CITB grants or funding, guidance on how to get started is available on the CITB website
Further information and help
CITB has shared more detail about the funding changes and how Employer Networks work, and there’s plenty of guidance available if you want to explore this further.
You can also speak to your dedicated CITB adviser through your Employer Network, who can help you understand what support is available for your business.
If you have been impacted by these funding changes, please contact us with examples where a withdrawal in CITB services will impact your ability to train or upskill.
