by admin | Sep 14, 2026 | CITB Grants, NPORS, Safety Update, Training
CITB is continuing the rollout of standardised plant training, with further categories moving to defined learning outcomes, minimum durations and delivery ratios this autumn. For employers, the practical issue is no longer simply whether a recognised card is issued. If CITB grant is expected, the training also needs to meet the applicable standard and eligibility rules.
The next group of standards arrives in September
CITB has confirmed that further Phase Four plant training standards take effect from 29 September 2026, including several vacuum-excavator configurations and loader-compressor training.
The standards distinguish between equipment types and operating configurations that may previously have been described more generally. That is useful because “vacuum excavator training” can cover materially different machines and working methods.
Employers should therefore identify the exact plant category before requesting quotations rather than relying on a broad course description.
Minimum course durations are part of the standard
One of the most significant changes is the use of defined minimum durations and trainer-to-learner arrangements. The required duration varies according to the category, learner experience and group size.
For employers comparing providers, that creates a more meaningful procurement question. A course that is dramatically shorter than the published standard should be challenged before a purchase order is raised.
The objective is not simply to keep people in a classroom or on a machine for a set number of hours. The durations and ratios are intended to provide sufficient time for the required knowledge, practical training and assessment to be delivered consistently.
Experienced does not automatically mean test only
Experienced-worker routes remain important because somebody with substantial previous experience should not be treated in the same way as a complete novice. However, “experienced” should not automatically be interpreted as a test-only route.
An experienced operator may still have gaps in areas such as pre-use inspection, current manufacturer limitations, attachments, stability, exclusion zones, emergency arrangements or updated industry practice.
The provider should establish that the learner genuinely meets the entry expectations for the experienced route and then deliver the elements required by the applicable CITB standard.
This is a funding standard, not a new legal licence
The CITB changes should not be confused with a new statutory licensing system. There is no new Act or Regulation saying every operator in the affected categories must hold a particular CITB certificate from the launch date.
The underlying legal duty remains broader. Regulation 9 of PUWER 1998 requires employers to provide adequate health and safety training to people who use work equipment, including the methods of use, risks arising and precautions required.
HSE’s guidance on training and competence also distinguishes training from competence. Training contributes to competence alongside knowledge, experience and practical skill. Employers still need to decide whether the individual is ready for the actual machine and work being undertaken.
Grant support depends on the recognised route
Where a plant category is covered by a CITB training standard, employers seeking grant should check that the proposed training meets the current standard and grant conditions. Provider status, achievement reporting and the resulting card route can all affect eligibility.
Before booking, check the current CITB training standards and the latest grant and funding guidance. Do not assume that a course that previously attracted grant will continue to do so under exactly the same delivery model.
For construction card routes, also confirm that the training and testing lead to the intended recognised card rather than assuming every plant certificate has the same status.
Further lifting categories follow in October
CITB has also confirmed a later October launch for the Appointed Person standard and selected tower-crane operator standards. Training managers planning lifting-team development should therefore check the relevant launch date rather than assuming every Phase Four category changed in September.
Appointed Person training, Crane/Lift Supervisor training and workplace competence qualifications are related but are not interchangeable. An experienced person progressing to a competent operator card may also need the appropriate occupational qualification.
All Star Safety’s Lifting Operations NVQs include workplace-assessed routes for slinger/signallers, crane supervisors and appointed persons.
What should you do now?
- Identify the exact plant category before requesting training.
- Establish whether the learner is genuinely novice or experienced.
- Check the applicable CITB standard and minimum duration.
- Compare delegate numbers with trainer and machine ratios.
- Confirm the provider can deliver the standard in full.
- Check current grant eligibility before committing the budget.
- Confirm the intended CPCS or NPORS card route.
- Provide machine and site familiarisation after the course where required.
- Authorise operators only when they can safely perform the real work.
Our professional view
Standardising plant training is broadly positive. Plant certification has limited value if operators holding apparently equivalent cards have received substantially different levels of training.
However, duration alone does not create competence. The strongest model combines credible training, appropriate assessment, supervised workplace experience, machine familiarisation and an employer that actively verifies the person can undertake the task safely.
All Star Safety provides NPORS plant operator training and assessment for novice and experienced operators, together with workplace-based plant and lifting NVQs where occupational competence needs to be formally demonstrated.
by admin | Dec 10, 2025 | CITB Grants, Safety Update
Funding information updated
This article summarised CITB changes announced in December 2025. The temporary booking arrangements, implementation dates and webinars in the original article have now passed, and further funding changes took effect during 2026. Check the current CITB qualification-grant guidance before relying on a rate or making a booking.
CITB Funding Changes for 2026: What Levy-Paying Employers Need to Know
CITB announced significant changes to its grant and funding system on 8 December 2025, with new rules taking effect from 8 January 2026. This article was first published at the time to help employers understand the transition.
Those temporary deadlines have now passed and further changes have taken effect. The summary below has been updated to remove expired booking and webinar instructions and to direct employers to current official guidance.
What Changed in 2026?
CITB changed several funding routes during 2026, including support for short courses, Employer Networks, qualification achievement grants and Level 7 qualifications. The enhanced management and supervision rates ended on 31 December 2025. Level 7 qualification support now applies only to learners who meet CITB’s separate transitional conditions, not to new starts generally.
Because contribution levels, eligible courses, employer requirements and application deadlines can change, employers should use CITB’s live guidance rather than the historic figures and deadlines from the original version of this article.
Current Qualification-Grant Position
CITB-registered employers may be eligible for grant support for approved qualifications, subject to the current scheme rules. Grant rates, eligibility criteria and the qualifications covered can change, so check the latest CITB qualification-grant guidance and confirm eligibility before booking or budgeting for training.
Approved NVQs at Levels 2–6 may qualify where the employer, learner and qualification meet CITB’s rules. Level 7 qualifications are subject to separate transitional restrictions.
First Aid and Other Short-Course Funding
Support for First Aid and other short courses depends on the current CITB grant and Employer Network arrangements, the course type, employer eligibility and available local budgets. Check the current Employer Networks guidance or speak to your CITB adviser before assuming that funding is available.
All Star Safety Ltd continues to offer Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work training at our Ipswich centre or at client premises.
What Employers Should Do Now
- Check the current official CITB guidance rather than relying on historic rates or deadlines.
- Confirm that the employer, learner, qualification or course and achievement dates meet the relevant rules.
- Obtain CITB confirmation before including expected grant income in a training budget.
- Contact All Star Safety Ltd for course and NVQ options, delivery dates, group bookings and quotations.
How All Star Safety Ltd Can Help
We can help you identify suitable training, plan a workforce programme and provide the information and quotations needed for a funding discussion. CITB remains responsible for confirming eligibility and processing grant applications.
Call 01473 561 402, email info@allstarsafety.co.uk, or contact our team.
by admin | Dec 5, 2025 | CITB Grants, First Aid, IOSH, NVQs
This promotion has ended
The Early Bird promotion closed on 31 December 2025 and the discount code is no longer valid. Our current course dates and prices are on the course calendar, and we are always happy to talk through group bookings and on-site training. Call 01473 561 402 or email info@allstarsafety.co.uk.
Planning your training and NVQ requirements for the year ahead
As the year draws to a close, many construction businesses are already planning their training requirements for the year ahead. Whether it is upskilling teams, renewing blue CPCS cards through NVQs, or investing in IOSH training for managers and supervisors, this is a good moment to lock in what you need before the new year starts.
All Star Safety Ltd delivers training and qualifications across the following:
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Classroom courses delivered at our Suffolk Enterprise Centre office or at client premises
- Virtual classroom training courses delivered via MS Teams
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All NVQs, including Plant Operations, Lifting Operations, Construction Site Management, Construction Contracting Operations and Occupational Health & Safety
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Our IOSH Managing Safely e-learning course, which allows candidates to train flexibly at their own pace
Browse the full range on the course calendar, or read more about our IOSH courses and construction NVQs.
Why booking early helps
Planning ahead is particularly useful for businesses working to year-end budgets, CITB Levy planning, or companies scheduling workforce development well in advance. With steady demand across plant training, lifting operations and safety management, booking early also helps secure preferred dates before the peak period in January and February.
If you are unsure which qualification or course is the best fit, get in touch. We can help you match the right option to your experience, goals and compliance needs.
Call us on 01473 561 402 or email info@allstarsafety.co.uk.
by admin | Aug 20, 2025 | CITB Grants, Safety Update
Historical funding update
This article reports CITB changes announced in 2025. The deadlines and temporary grant uplift described below have now passed. For current grant rates, eligibility and application routes, check CITB’s latest qualification-grant guidance before booking or budgeting for training.
What Employers Need to Know and How All Star Safety Ltd Can Help
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced several key changes to how employers access funding for training. These updates aim to simplify the process, streamline support services, and improve accessibility for levy-registered employers. With the first changes going live in September 2025, now is the time to prepare.
Key Changes Announced by CITB
Launch of a New Online Grant Portal – 24 September 2025
CITB is launching a modernised online services platform to make grant applications easier and more transparent. The new system allows employers to:
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Apply for Apprenticeship and Qualification Grants online
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Track grant application status in real-time
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Manage account access with more control
Ahead of launch, CITB’s Customer Engagement team will offer guided support to help employers navigate the new system with confidence.
Closure of the Skills and Training (S&T) Fund – 30 September 2025
To reduce confusion and simplify routes to funding, Employer Networks (ENs) will become the single channel for business development support. The Skills and Training fund will close on 30 September 2025, and funding under this stream will shift to ENs going forward.
From this point, funding will also move to payment upon completion, rather than in advance.
Industry Accreditation Grant Uplift Ending Earlier Than Planned – Now 31 December 2025
The grant uplift for qualifications linked to Industry Accreditation card replacement—originally due to run until 31 March 2026—will now end early on 31 December 2025. After this date, grants for relevant NVQs will return to the standard £600 rate.
This change will have a direct impact on current learners working toward NVQs to replace blue, gold or black CSCS cards gained through Industry Accreditation (Grandfather Rights), as well as any new sign-ups in the coming months.
At All Star Safety Ltd, we are proactively monitoring this development and will communicate directly with all affected clients and training partners once we receive confirmation from CITB. Learners currently working through their qualifications should aim to complete before the December 2025 cut-off to ensure the enhanced funding is applied.
New £240 Grant Tier for Award-Level Qualifications – From September 2025
CITB will introduce a new grant tier of £240 for Award-level qualifications, which are typically shorter and less costly than full qualifications. The aim is to better align grant values with qualification structure and cost.
Closure of the ‘Suggest a Course’ Initiative
As Employer Networks are now well-established, CITB is closing the ‘Suggest a Course’ feature. Local employer input will now be gathered through ENs to shape training priorities and funding availability.
What This Means for Employers Working with All Star Safety Ltd
The arrangements described in this 2025 article should not be used to plan current training or calculate expected grant income.
All Star Safety Ltd can help you identify suitable NVQ, NPORS, IOSH and First Aid training and provide course dates and quotations. CITB decides grant eligibility, so employers should confirm the current funding position with CITB before booking.
Check Current CITB Guidance
CITB-registered employers may be eligible for grant support for approved qualifications, subject to the current scheme rules. Grant rates, eligibility criteria and the qualifications covered can change, so check the latest CITB qualification-grant guidance and confirm eligibility before booking or budgeting for training. Level 7 qualifications are subject to separate transitional restrictions.
Contact us to see how we can assist you in accessing funding and staying compliant.
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