CITB Makes Changes to Employer Networks Funding for 2026-27 

In response to increased demand for its services, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is changing its funding system ahead of the new financial year (FY).

From April, micro to medium employers (1 to 249 employees) booking training through Employer Networks will get 50% match funding or a fixed contribution for health and safety courses.

An annual cap per employer, according to its size of business, has also been introduced:

• Micro employers (1 – 9 employees) can claim up to £1,500 per annum
• Small employers (10 – 49 employees) can claim up £2,000 per annum
• Medium employers (50 – 249 employees) can claim up £4,500 per annum

CITB’s Employer Networks budget has been set at £11.5 million for the 2026-27 FY, and access to the programme has been altered so only micro, small, and medium size employers can use it. Large employers will now have access to a Large Employer Fund.

Employer Networks Funding Changes

From April, large employers will have their own separate fund, providing £18,000 to spend on any in-scope training. Large employers will need to share a copy of their training plan with CITB before applying.

Employer Networks and the Large Employer Fund are part of CITB’s wider funding available, which includes Short Course Grants, Apprenticeship Grants, Travel to Train, Qualification Grants, and the Industry Impact Fund.

CITB’s wider work, including competence frameworks, competence pathways, Sector Plans, National Construction Colleges, and careers activity through Go Construct and Go Construct STEM Ambassadors, continues as normal.

In addition, its local New Entrant Support Teams (NEST) and wider advisory services remain available to support employers to identify the best options for their workforce.

Tim Balcon, CEO at CITB, said: “We appreciate that the decisions we have had to make have been disruptive for the industry.

“However, the premise for these changes is that we’re engaging more employers and seeing increased demand – we’ve seen a 36% increase in employer engagement. But we need to balance this with the same amount of Levy. Consequently, the way funding is accessed must change in order for us to support more employers with new entrants and competence training.”

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