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
At All Star Safety Ltd, we are fully aligned with these CITB changes and ready to support your business in accessing the right funding and training:
✅ NVQ Training – We provide a wide range of CITB-approved NVQs that qualify for grant support, including blue and black card upgrades before the uplift ends.
✅ Guided Support for Funding Applications – We will continue working closely with employers to help plan, apply for, and deliver funded training efficiently under the new portal system.
✅ NPORS and First Aid – Our popular plant and health and safety training options remain eligible under EN and CITB grants.
✅ Upcoming IOSH Courses – From September 2025, we’ll be delivering IOSH Managing Safely, Working Safely, and Managing Safely e-learning, which may qualify under the new grant tiers depending on format and duration.
Next Steps
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✅ Review your training needs before the grant uplift ends in December 2025
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✅ Prepare to use the new CITB grant portal launching 24 September
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✅ Contact us to ensure NVQ, NPORS or IOSH training qualifies under current schemes
Contact us to see how we can assist you in accessing funding and staying compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402 | 📞 01473 561 402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk