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CITB has announced major changes to Grants and Employer Network (EN) funding, effective from 8 January 2026. As a trusted Training Provider Network Partner, Workforce Skills Support (WSS) is committed to ensuring our clients continue to receive the maximum available funding and clear guidance during this transition.
Below is a summary of what these changes mean for your current and future training bookings.
Key Dates To Note:
Training booked and paid for before 8 December 2025 will be honoured under the existing rules, provided evidence of the booking is available.
As a Training Provider Network Partner, all new training booked through Workforce Skills Support remains eligible for EN funding under the updated rules.
However, any training not already booked and paid for will now fall under CITB’s revised funding model:
By booking with WSS, you’ll continue to access the highest support levels available under the new scheme.
50% Match Funding for Core Construction Courses
Most technical and trade-related short courses now receive 50% funding when booked through Employer Networks.
For employers with larger groups, our closed-course day rates continue to offer excellent per-delegate value — even under the revised model.
We’ll help you maximise support and cost efficiency.
30% support at average market rate
CITB has reduced EN support on key Health & Safety courses, including:
Support will now cover 30% of the average market price.
Example:
This still makes both open-course and closed-course SMSTS/SSSTS options with WSS highly competitive.
Qualification Grants – £600 Confirmed (excluding Level 7’s started after 8th December)
CITB has reaffirmed that the £600 qualification achievement grant remains in place for supported NVQs, with Level 7 NVQs no longer eligible when started after 8th December.
What this means for you:
We will continue offering competitive pricing and expert assessors across all levels.
First Aid – Funding Removal
CITB has removed First Aid qualifications from Employer Network funding entirely.
Despite this, WSS will continue offering excellent value through our combined FAW + Emergency First Aid closed-course options, ensuring employers still benefit from competitive team rates.
Asbestos & Utility Avoidance – No Change
Our accredited:
remain fully available with no change to their funding status under the new CITB structure.
Existing Skills & Training Fund (STF) Applications
If you already have an approved STF application:
We will continue to communicate updates as CITB releases further clarification.
The funding landscape is shifting — but WSS is here to ensure you make informed decisions and secure the best possible support.
If you would like us to:
Our team is ready to help.
Get in touch today and we’ll ensure your organisation continues to benefit from maximum CITB support during this transition.
The updated Grants and Employer Network (EN) funding rules take effect from 8 January 2026. Any training booked and paid for after this date will follow the revised funding structure.
Yes. All new training booked through Workforce Skills Support remains eligible for EN funding under the updated rules. Booking with WSS ensures you continue to access the maximum available support.
Under the revised model, most core construction courses receive 50% funding, specified Health & Safety courses such as SMSTS and SSSTS receive 30% funding, First Aid courses are no longer eligible, and the qualification achievement grant remains at £600 for supported NVQs, excluding Level 7.
Key Health & Safety courses now receive 30% support of the average market price. For example, a 5-day SMSTS course would cost approximately £380 to the employer, with a £115 contribution from CITB. Both open-course and closed-course options remain highly cost-effective through WSS.
The £600 qualification achievement grant remains available for Level 2–6 NVQs. Level 7 NVQs are no longer supported, although training can still be booked through WSS. Level 2 NVQs continue to be extremely cost-effective, often around 70% funded when combining the grant with WSS assessment fees.
No. First Aid qualifications are no longer eligible for EN funding. However, WSS continues to offer competitive FAW + Emergency First Aid closed-course options for teams.
Yes. Our Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness and Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance remain fully funded and unchanged under the new CITB structure.
If you already have an approved STF application, you can still use it for previously authorised training, including cost-neutral NVQ pathways.
WSS can assist you in reviewing your training plans, confirming funding eligibility, forecasting costs under the new EN structure, and providing closed-course options for teams. Booking through WSS ensures you continue to receive maximum CITB support during this transition.
Our team at Workforce Skills Support is ready to provide guidance and support. Get in touch with us today to review your training strategy and ensure your organisation maximises funding.
CITB Training Provider Network – Your Gateway To Quality-Assured Construction Training