Everything You Need to Know about the CITB Funding Options

In the construction industry, having the right skills and qualifications is essential for both career growth and operational success. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) provides various funding options to support skill development for individuals and companies alike.

In this guide, we’ll break down three primary CITB funding routes—Achievement Grant, Skills & Training Fund, and Employer Network—each tailored to meet unique training needs, from individual qualifications to comprehensive workforce upskilling.

What is CITB Funding and Why Does it Matter?

The CITB is the go-to organisation for supporting construction skills across the UK. CITB funding serves as a vital resource, promoting training and development for workers at all career stages while addressing labour shortages and skills gaps. For individuals, CITB funding can make essential training, like NVQs, more affordable and accessible, leading to better job opportunities. For companies, funding reduces training expenses and encourages a more skilled workforce, ensuring safety and productivity on job sites.

Each of the following CITB funding options offers unique benefits, whether you’re a company looking to upskill employees or an individual aiming to gain recognized qualifications.

1) CITB Achievement Grant

The CITB Achievement Grant helps companies reclaim a portion of training costs per delegate. This funding option is accessible to companies of all sizes, making it ideal for businesses with consistent training needs or individuals aiming for NVQ assessments with employer support.

  • Eligibility: To qualify, companies must be CITB-registered and current with their levy payments.
  • Funding Scope: Available for a wide range of trade skills, health and safety, and other essential courses. Courses are divided into three tiers:
    • Tier 1: £60
    • Tier 2: £140
    • Tier 3: £240 (based on current 2024 rates)
  • Application Process: Employers cover training fees upfront. Once the training is complete, CITB reimburses the appropriate amount per successful delegate.
  • Benefits:
    • Minimal upfront planning required.
    • Accessible to companies of all sizes.
    • Most administrative work is handled by CITB-approved training providers, reducing the employer’s workload.

Ideal for: Employers and individuals seeking basic qualifications like NVQ Level 2 or trade-specific certifications with minimal financial risk.

2) CITB Skills and Training Fund

The Skills and Training Fund is tailored for small and medium businesses (up to 250 employees) needing workforce development over a 6 to 12-month period. This route provides substantial funding upfront, covering advanced qualifications and NVQs, helping companies address specific skills shortages effectively.

  • Eligibility: Available to CITB-registered businesses with fewer than 250 employees.
  • Funding Scope:
    • Small and micro businesses (up to 99 employees): Can claim up to £10,000 twice a year.
    • Medium businesses (100-250 employees): Can claim up to £25,000 twice a year.
  • Application Process: Employers submit a 6-12 month training plan to CITB for approval. Once approved, CITB releases most of the funding upfront, covering up to 100% of training costs. Achievement Grants for completed courses are applied on top of the Skills & Training Fund’s initial payment.
  • Benefits:
    • Covers a significant portion of training costs, offering up to £50,000 annually for some businesses.
    • Reduces financial strain with upfront payments, making it easier to budget for employee development.
    • Particularly advantageous for companies looking to pursue structured training for roles requiring NVQ Levels 3 to 6.

Ideal for: Companies aiming to plan extensive workforce training, including advanced NVQ assessments and specialised certifications.

3) CITB Employer Network

The CITB Employer Network is a flexible, regionally-focused initiative that supports employers by providing funding for various training programs specific to local industry needs. This funding route is particularly valuable for companies seeking adaptable, case-by-case training support without long-term commitments.

  • Eligibility: Open to all CITB-registered companies, regardless of size.
  • Funding Scope: Provides up to £25,000 per year, covering 70% of training costs, with employers covering the remaining 30%. This route allows flexibility, with access to a wider variety of courses, including non-traditional construction courses like First Aid and IOSH.
  • Application Process: Employers coordinate with their CITB Network Advisor to book training as needed. The advisor handles the funding arrangements, simplifying the administrative side for employers.
  • Benefits:
    • Ideal for companies with on-demand training needs or those requiring non-standard courses.
    • Offers 70% coverage upfront, minimising out-of-pocket costs for employers.
    • No pre-planning needed—funding can be accessed as new training needs arise.

Ideal for: Employers looking for flexible, accessible training funding that doesn’t require a defined long-term training plan.

How to Choose the Right CITB Funding Route

Each CITB funding option serves different needs. Here’s a quick guide to help determine the best option for your situation:

  • Individuals: Talk to your employer about using the Achievement Grant to cover part of your NVQ assessment. For higher-level NVQs, consider discussing Skills and Training Fund support if your company qualifies.
  • Employers:
    • For structured workforce development: The Skills and Training Fund offers maximum financial support for companies that need to upskill their teams with a specific training plan.
    • For flexible training needs: The Employer Network provides tailored, regionally-driven training support, covering 70% of costs for a range of courses, from essential safety training to specialised industry skills.

Tips for Maximising CITB Funding

To get the most out of CITB funding, consider the following:

  • Stay Levy Compliant: Make sure your CITB registration and levy payments are up to date to qualify for grants.
  • Plan for Achievement: Work with a CITB Approved Training Organisation to ensure courses and qualifications meet CITB standards, maximising reimbursement potential.
  • Seek Guidance: Consult with a CITB advisor to find the best funding route, streamline the application process, and clarify course eligibility.
  • Combine Funding Options: Use the Skills and Training Fund and Employer Network funding in tandem to cover extensive workforce development without overlapping claims.
  • Optimise with Resources: Use CITB mock exams and course materials to prepare for training success, ensuring your investment in upskilling is maximised.

Conclusion

With CITB funding, advancing your construction career or upskilling your workforce has never been more accessible. Whether you’re an individual aiming for an NVQ or a company looking to develop your team’s skills, CITB offers versatile, robust funding solutions to support your goals.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact Think Construction Skills today to discuss which CITB funding option best suits your needs, and let’s get your training journey started!

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