CITB has recently announced several key updates to grants and funding that will impact employers across the construction industry. Staying on top of these changes is essential to ensure your workforce training and qualifications remain funded efficiently. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Closure of the Skills & Training Fund – 30th September 2025
CITB’s Skills & Training Fund will officially close on 30th September 2025.
- Applications submitted between 1st–30th September will only be paid after the training has been completed, rather than upfront.
- After 30th September, employers will need to access funding exclusively through Employer Networks.
This change reinforces the shift towards more centralised and sustainable funding support, and employers should plan accordingly to avoid any gaps.
2. Launch of the New Online Grant Portal – 24th September 2025
CITB has introduced a modernised Online Grant Portal aimed at streamlining the grant application process:
- Apply for apprenticeship and qualification grants more efficiently.
- Track the status of applications in real time.
- Manage account access and multiple users more easily.
The portal is designed to save time and provide greater transparency for employers managing training and qualifications across their teams.
3. Changes in Short Qualification Grants – From September 2025
CITB is introducing a new grant tier for Award-level short qualifications, reflecting the shorter and less intensive nature of these courses:
- Grant amount reduced from £600 to £240.
Employers should review any short courses planned from September onwards to ensure they understand the revised funding levels.
4. Industry Accreditation Grant – Ending Early on 31st December 2025
The temporary uplift for Management and Supervision NVQs will end early.
- From January 2026, the standard £600 grant rate will apply again.
Employers aiming to take advantage of the temporary uplift should ensure their staff complete qualifications before the end of December.
5. Industry Accreditation Transition Grants – Extended Until 31st March 2026
To support the transition from Industry Accreditation (IA) cards to formal qualifications, CITB has extended enhanced grant funding for specific NVQs:
- Supervision NVQs/SVQs: £1,250 per achievement
- Management NVQs/SVQs: £1,500 per achievement
These enhanced grants are available until 31st March 2026, provided qualifications are achieved by this date.
This extension provides a valuable opportunity for employers to upskill teams and benefit from increased grant funding during the transition period.
✅ What This Means for Employers
- Review training plans carefully for the remainder of 2025.
- Plan grant applications using the new Online Grant Portal to streamline processing.
- Take advantage of transitional and enhanced funding before the deadlines.
- Be aware of reduced funding for short qualifications and the end of temporary uplifts.
Staying informed and proactive will ensure your workforce remains qualified, compliant, and supported as the funding landscape evolves.
