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CITB Training Support Changes in 2026: What Employers Need to Know

If you’re planning training for 2026, there are some big CITB updates you should be aware of. From 8 January 2026, most short-course grants moved away from the traditional Grants Scheme and are now routed through Employer Networks (ENs), with a few exceptions, like Plant and Scaffolding. From 1 April 2026, large employers will move onto a separate offer and can no longer use EN funding.

Below, we’ve broken down the changes and what they mean in practice—so you can keep projects on track and budgets under control.

Why has CITB changed the funding model?

CITB reports a 36% rise in employers supported since 2021, but the levy rate hasn’t increased in that time. Without changes, demand was set to exceed levy income—so CITB has refocused how support is accessed and where it has the most impact.

CITB also confirmed pressure on reserves over 2025–26, which has accelerated the timeline for change and made Employer Networks a budget‑managed route.

The big change from 8 January 2026

Short courses (for example, SSSTS, SMSTS, and similar compliance/upskilling courses) are no longer funded via the Grants Scheme, except for a small list of specialist areas (including Plant and Scaffolding). Support now runs exclusively through Employer Networks. If you had eligible short courses booked before 8 December 2025, those can still be honoured at the previous rates with evidence.

What this means day‑to‑day:

You’ll work with your local CITB adviser/EN to identify and book supported training.
EN funding is finite and managed through the year—when budgets are fully committed, bookings may pause until the next allocation.

How Employer Network funding works now

1. Match funding

Most EN‑supported training requires 50% employer contribution.

 2. Health & Safety nuances

Some H&S in construction courses can attract reduced support (e.g., fixed or lower contribution) under EN rules compared with general short courses. EN budgets are set annually and can run out.

 3. First aid

Not supported via EN funding (CITB prioritises spend where it drives new skills/competence).

Tip:

Book early each quarter and keep alternatives ready (self‑funded places or different dates) in case your EN allocation is temporarily closed.

Long qualification grants: what’s changed?

From January 2026:

Level 7 qualifications are no longer grant‑funded.
Attendance grants for long qualifications are removed.
Non‑apprentice achievement grants are now £600 flat.

The April 2026 shift for large employers

From 1 April 2026, large employers (250+ employees) will not be able to use Employer Networks. They’ll move to a single large‑employer funding offer designed specifically for their needs. If any EN‑funded training was planned for a large employer, it must be completed by 31 March 2026 to qualify.

CITB has also published a 2026–27 update outlining EN budgets and a standalone Large Employer Fund for the new financial year, reinforcing the separation between SME support via ENs and the large‑employer route.

What to do next (practical steps)

Map your training plan now
Prioritise essential short courses and agree booking windows with your EN adviser—especially if you’re targeting compliance dates or card renewals.
Check eligibility and evidence
If you booked before 8 December 2025, keep proof handy so the earlier rates can be honoured where applicable.
Budget for match funding
Factor in 50% contributions (and note reduced support for some H&S courses). Have a contingency if your EN allocation closes.
Large employers: finalise any EN‑funded training
Ensure delivery finishes by 31 March 2026; after that, plan under the large‑employer offer instead.

Need help planning CITB‑supported training?

We deliver CITB courses UK‑wide—virtually and in the classroom—and our team can help you plan the best route through Employer Networks (or under the new large‑employer offer). If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch, and we’ll talk you through options based on your team, deadlines and budget.