CITB Grant Changes Explained: How to Still Achieve Zero Net Cost Utility Avoidance Training

Helping Offset Downtime and Operational Disruption

From September 2025, CITB changed the grant amount for certain Level 2 Awards from £600 to £240 per person. While this change has affected many qualifications, the Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance (CAT & Genny) can still be delivered in a way that remains cost-neutral — and can generate surplus grant for larger groups helping offset downtime and operational disruption.

This guide explains how levy-registered employers can continue to maximise CITB support while strengthening site safety and reducing the risk of costly utility strikes.

Maximise Your CITB Grant – Train Your Team and Generate Surplus Grant

The Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance is eligible for the CITB Short Period Qualification Grant, paid on achievement. When delivered to the correct group size, employers can fully offset training costs and retain additional grant for extra delegates.

What Is the Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance (CAT & Genny)?

The Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance (CAT & Genny) provides both theoretical knowledge and extensive practical training in the safe detection of underground services using Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny).

The qualification covers safe working practices before ground is broken, including pre-work surveys and service detection in line with:

• HSG47 – Avoiding danger from underground services
• Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015

For employers, this qualification provides confidence that operatives and supervisors are competent, while offering a regulated qualification and certificate that stands up to audits and site scrutiny.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for anyone involved in excavation, groundworks, or survey activities where underground services may be present, including:

• Ground survey teams
• Excavation and groundworks operatives
• Supervisors and site managers overseeing excavation works

It is appropriate across all construction environments, not just highways or utilities projects.

What Topics Are Covered?

The scope of the qualification includes:

• HSG47 – Avoiding danger from underground services
• CAT & Genny modes, limitations, and best practice
• Passive and active signal detection
• Induction and direct connection of the signal generator
• Nulling out detected services
• Inspection, calibration, and testing of equipment
• Service plans, utility marking, and permits to work
• Safe systems of work
• Practical assessment using CAT and Genny equipment

Is This a Lifetime Qualification?

Yes. The Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance is a lifetime qualification and does not require re-certification.

However, to maintain competence and CPD, employers are encouraged to refresh training on a 3-year cycle through a half-day Detection of Buried Services refresher, particularly where legislation, equipment, or working practices change.

CITB Grants & Funding

CITB Short Period Qualification Grant:

• £240 per person, paid on successful completion

This qualification is eligible for the CITB Short Period Qualification Grant and is not affected by live Skills & Training Fund applications.

Grants may be claimed for training undertaken by:

• Directly employed staff (including apprentices registered for PAYE)
• Sub-contractors (net-paid and gross-paid CIS)
• Sole traders and partnerships

Important grant conditions:

• You cannot claim a short period qualification grant where an apprentice attendance grant is being claimed for the same qualification
• Delegates must be working for the employer at the time of training
• The employer must identify the training need, organise the training, and accept the cost

CITB may select applications for grant verification audits, requiring evidence such as PAYE records, CIS300 returns, and subcontractor invoices. Newly levy-registered employers (within the last 18 months) may be subject to additional checks at CITB’s discretion.

Our Reduced Level 2 Award Rates for CITB Levy-Registered Employers

This pricing structure allows employers to stay competitive against non-regulated training while benefiting from a fully regulated Level 2 qualification.

Course Details

• Course: Level 2 Utility Avoidance Award (CAT & Genny)
• Group size: Up to 10 delegates (minimum 5)
• Course fee: £1,200 + VAT

How the Zero Net Cost Works

First 5 delegates

• £945 + VAT upfront
• £255 + VAT balance invoiced on the day of the course (30-day terms, aligned with grant payment)
• Total grant received: £1,200
• Net cost to your business: £0

Additional delegates (over 5)

• £120 + VAT per person, invoiced on the day of the course (30-day terms)
• Grant received: £240 per person
• £120 retained per additional delegate

This structure enables employers with larger teams to generate surplus grant, helping offset downtime and operational disruption.

Why Choose This Qualification?

• Regulated qualification with higher value than short or scheme-only courses
• Widely recognised across CSCS-regulated sites, not limited to streetworks or utilities
• Strong alignment with HSG47 (HSE) best practice
• Helps significantly reduce utility strikes, project delays, and reputational risk
• Strengthens audit readiness and site safety credentials

Dual Certification Option

This course can be dual certified with the CITB Assured Standard – Detection of Buried Utilities for Construction Using Electromagnetic Location, with no additional time commitment.

This enhanced certification:

• Complements and enhances EUSR and NRSWA Unit 1 LA
• Builds practical competence beyond basic compliance
• Applies across all construction environments, not just highways

What If Delegates Already Hold NRSWA Unit 1 or CITB Detection of Buried Services?

Completing this regulated Level 2 qualification:

• Builds on existing NRSWA or EUSR training with greater practical depth
• Provides stronger evidence of competence through a formal qualification
• Aligns with CITB’s objective to raise standards through regulated training

This qualification is particularly valuable where utility strikes have previously occurred, or where employers want stronger assurance beyond minimum compliance.

Summary: A Smart Route After the Grant Changes

Despite the September 2025 CITB grant changes, the Level 2 Utility Avoidance Award remains one of the most effective ways to improve excavation safety while maintaining zero net training cost for levy-registered employers.

Delivered with the right group size, it offers regulated competence, strong audit evidence, and the opportunity to retain surplus grant — all while significantly reducing the risk of underground service strikes.

From September 2025, CITB changed the grant amount for certain Level 2 Awards from £600 to £240 per person.

Speak to Our Team About Cost-Neutral Utility Avoidance Training