Important Updates to CITB’s Grants and Funding Offer (Effective 8 January 2026)
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has introduced significant changes to its grants and funding offer, which came into effect on 8 January 2026. These changes represent a major shift in how financial support for training is delivered to UK construction employers and aim to ensure training support remains sustainable and impactful as demand increases.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the new grants and funding structure, explains how support is now accessed, outlines new grant tiers, describes funding for Level 2 Plant Operations NVQs, and explores the transition towards Employer Networks — including the role of organisations like Vally Plant Training in supporting employers.
Why CITB is Changing Grants and Funding
Over recent years, the number of employers accessing CITB funding has grown significantly. At the same time, Levy rates have stayed the same, which means the demand for grant support was projected to exceed available Levy income. To ensure the continued long-term sustainability of training support and to focus funding where it can make the greatest impact, CITB has redesigned its grants and funding offer.
Key drivers for the changes include:
- A ~36 % increase in employers supported since 2021.
- The need to manage Levy income sustainably.
- A shift towards prioritising high-impact training and local employer needs.
Overview: What’s Changed from 8 January 2026?
From 8 January 2026, CITB has modernised its funding model, with the most significant changes affecting:
Short Course Training Grants
- Short courses are no longer funded through the traditional Grants Scheme, with exceptions for some specialist courses such as Plant Operations and Scaffolding.
- Most training support is now delivered exclusively via Employer Networks (ENs).
- Bookings made before 8 December 2025 and completed by 31 March 2026 will be honoured at current grant rates if evidence of booking date is provided.
Employer Network Funding
- CITB will match-fund 50 % of eligible training costs booked through local Employer Networks.
- Health & Safety (H&S)-related courses will be funded at 30 % of average market rates.
- First Aid training will not be supported under the EN fund.
- The EN fund operates on a fixed annual budget and is managed fairly throughout the year.
Qualification Grants
- Attendance grants for long qualifications are removed.
- A standard achievement grant of £600 now applies to eligible qualifications (below Level 7).
- Level 7 qualifications starting after 8 December 2025 are no longer supported (with exceptions for apprenticeships and Scottish Advanced Craft certifications).
Large Employers
- Employers with 250+ employees will no longer be supported through Employer Networks after 31 March 2026.
- A new large employer funding offer is set to launch on 1 April 2026.
CITB Grants and Funding: New Structure & Grant Tiers (2026)
To provide clarity for employers planning training budgets, here is a summary table of key grant streams and their new structure:
Grant Types and Eligibility
| Grant Type | Funding Route | Rate / Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Course Completion Grants | Employer Networks (EN) | 50 % of eligible training cost | Only when booked and accessed via ENs. |
| H&S Construction Courses | EN | 30 % of average market rate | Health & safety courses supported within EN fund. |
| Specialist Course Grants (e.g., Plant Ops, Scaffolding) | Grants Scheme exemptions | Usual grants continue | Only specific exceptions remain available. |
| Achievement Grants (Long Qualifications)** | Grants Scheme | £600 per achievement | Attendance grants removed. |
| Level 7 Qualification Grants | Not supported after deadline | N/A | Exceptions apply for apprenticeships. |
| Large Employer Funding (new offer) | Launching from 1 Apr 2026 | TBC | Separate funding route. |
Plant Operations Grants & New Training Standards
Plant training remains one of the few areas where specific course grants are still available outside of Employer Networks. This reflects the construction industry’s ongoing demand for skilled plant operators.
CITB Plant Grants – Novice & Experienced Tiers
| Plant Category Tier | Novice Grant (£) | Experienced Grant (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | £550 | £250 |
| Tier 2 | £630 | £300 |
| Tier 3 | £880 | £470 |
Novice training is for individuals new to a plant category. Experienced training applies where some prior experience exists but training is still required.
These new plant grant rates support improved training standards and ensure operators are properly trained to align with current industry needs.
Understanding Employer Networks (ENs)
One of the biggest shifts in 2026 is the role of Employer Networks as the primary route for accessing training support for most short courses. This represents a move away from traditional completion grants toward up-front funding via regional support networks.
What are Employer Networks?
- Employer Networks are locally organised funding groups established by CITB.
- They help employers access training without complex paperwork.
- Local advisors guide employers in identifying training needs and connecting them to providers.
- ENs prioritise training based on local labour market needs and industry demand.
ENs were piloted in 2022 and have since expanded across Great Britain to create GB-wide coverage.
Employer Network Funding – Key Features
- Designed to simplify access to training and funding.
- Employers book through their EN adviser, and CITB will match fund part of the training cost at 50 %.
- Funding is available for a broad range of short courses, especially those linked to skills gaps identified locally.
- Employer Networks reduce the administrative barrier previously associated with grants.
In 2026, building good relationships with your local Employer Network adviser has become essential to accessing CITB support efficiently.
Level 2 Plant Operations NVQs & Grant Support
NVQs remain a core qualification path for plant operators and are widely supported through grant funding. These qualifications are highly relevant for employers looking to develop their workforce competence and meet CSCS card requirements.
NVQ Funding Overview
- For NVQs (including Level 2 Plant Operations), CITB pays an achievement grant of up to £600 on successful completion.
- Attendance grants for longer NVQs have been removed, so it’s important to plan training delivery with this in mind.
- Apprenticeships and other core supported programmes are unaffected by these attendance grant changes.
For Level 2 Plant Operations NVQs, this means:
| Level 2 Plant Operations NVQ | CITB Grant |
|---|---|
| Achievement Grant | Up to £600 |
This achievement grant approach simplifies funding and ensures employers can still claim support for core qualifications that enhance plant operator competence.
Vally Plant Training — Employer Network & TPN Support
Vally Plant Training Ltd is a UK plant training provider with deep industry experience, specialising in NVQ assessments and plant training courses. Vally Plant Training has transitioned from its previous status as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) into CITB’s Training Provider Network (TPN) — aligning with CITB’s evolved training delivery model.
What this Means for Employers
- As a TPN member, Vally Plant Training is part of the network of quality-assured providers that can deliver training supported by CITB funding.
- This makes it easier for employers to access supported plant training that meets CITB’s evolving standards.
- Being part of a TPN simplifies connection to Employer Network advisers and ensures training is properly aligned with funding criteria.
Key Benefits of Training with Vally Plant Training
- On-site assessments and flexible delivery of Level 2 Plant Operations NVQs.
- High-quality plant training from experienced instructors.
- Support with meeting CITB and CSCS card requirements.
By combining TPN membership with Employer Network funding, employers can maximise their access to high-quality, CITB-supported training delivered by trusted providers such as Vally Plant Training.
Important Dates & Transition Rules (2026)
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 8 Dec 2025 | Deadline for existing grant bookings to qualify for old grant rates if completed by 31 Mar 2026. |
| 8 Jan 2026 | New grants & funding rules take effect. |
| 31 Mar 2026 | Employer Networks accessible to all employers (except large employers after this date). |
| 1 Apr 2026 | New large employer funding offer launches. |
These transition dates are critical for employers planning training schedules and grant claims.
Action Points for Employers
To make the most of CITB’s new funding model:
- Review planned training — especially any courses booked before December 2025.
- Connect with your local Employer Network adviser early to identify training needs and access funding. Contact Vally Plant Training
- Prepare for grant claims by collecting evidence of bookings made before key deadlines.
- Plan NVQ training strategically, focusing on achievement grants for core qualifications such as Level 2 Plant Operations.
- Large employers should explore the upcoming new funding offer launching from April 2026.
Final Thoughts
CITB’s 2026 grants and funding updates mark a shift toward a more sustainable, locally responsive funding model. By placing Employer Networks at the centre of short course funding and simplifying qualification grants, CITB aims to ensure that support reaches the employers who need it most.
For employers and training providers, understanding these changes and adapting training strategies accordingly will be essential for maximising funding support from 2026 onward. Leveraging local Employer Networks, engaging quality providers like Vally Plant Training, and aligning training plans with new grant rules will help organisations stay ahead in the evolving landscape of UK construction training support.