CITB Funding Changes From 8th January 2026

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced a series of changes it is making to the funding and grant system, with most changes taking effect from 8th January 2026. CITB reports that these changes are designed to deliver the greatest value for the greatest number of employers and maximise the value of the Levy for industry.

CITB has seen a 36% increase in demand for its services over the last four years. Over this same period, CITB has not raised the Levy rate, meaning that it is needing to support more employers with the same amount of Levy. Consequently, at current levels, CITB argues that demand for its support will exceed its Levy income. Without action, CITB believes it risks being unable to support any of these programmes.

A large proportion of flooring contractors are not ‘in-scope’ of CITB Levy and so any changes will not have any impact on them. However, for CITB Levy payers, the changes announced may impact future grant and funding claims. Apprenticeships funding remains unchanged.

The funding and grant changes that will come into effect from Thursday 8th January 2026 include:

• Removal of short course training grant, with Employer Networks as the main replacement funding route and a small number of courses to still be grant funded.
• The scope of what is funded by Employer Networks is changing, as well as a reduction of the rate to 50% match funding.
• Funding for level 7 qualifications and attendance grant from long qualifications will be stopped.
• All non-apprentice achievement grants will be £600.

The remaining changes will come into effect from Wednesday 1st April 2026. These are:

• Large employers will be moved to a single large employer funding offer.
• Large employers will no longer be able to access Employer Networks.

CITB has also emphasised that training booked before 8th December (with evidence) will be honoured at the current rate.

Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, said: “First and foremost, we want to apologise for the short notice for some of these changes. This was done to avoid surge claiming that will put our ability to support employers at risk. We had planned to transition our funding model gradually, giving employers time to adjust. The pace of demand growth means we need to act faster than we intended – and faster than we would have liked.

“While it is good news that there has been an increase in demand for our services, we have maintained the same Levy rate. This balanced against the increased demand means it’s necessary to bring forward changes to ensure we’re delivering the greatest value for the greatest number of employers.

“We appreciate this is a change for employers at a challenging time. We want to assure you we are here to support you – to find out how, please visit the CITB website or contact your local CITB engagement advisor.”

CFA members can contact Shaun Wadsworth, CFA Training Manager, for training information or support by email at shaun@cfa.org.uk.

For more information on CITB’s funding changes, visit: www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-and-funding/funding-changes-information/