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 coming into force from 8 January 2026. The announcement arrived suddenly, and CITB has acknowledged that the timing is far from ideal so close to Christmas. However, these changes are being introduced to ensure that Levy income can continue to support the growing number of employers seeking grant-funded training.
For many levy-paying businesses, this update will feel disruptive, especially if you are in the middle of planning training for early 2026. At All Star Safety Ltd, we want to provide clarity on what these changes mean and help you continue to get the most from your levy contributions over the coming months.
We have reviewed the CITB announcement and the dedicated funding changes page, and the key points employers need to be aware of are summarised below.
What happens to bookings already made?
The date of booking is now essential.
✔ Bookings made before 8 December 2025
If you made and can evidence a confirmed training booking before 8 December, and the training takes place between 8 January and 31 March 2026, these will still be honoured under the previous grant rates.
CITB introduced this protection to avoid penalising employers who had legitimately planned ahead for early 2026.
✔ Bookings made on or after 8 December 2025
Anything booked from this date onwards, regardless of delivery date, will follow the new funding rules explained below.
This transitional period runs until 31 March 2026.
Key changes employers need to understand
Short course funding is changing dramatically
From 8 January 2026, short course training will no longer be supported through the Grants Scheme, except for:
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Plant Operations
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Scaffolding
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Other specialist courses listed by CITB
All other short course support will move to the Employer Network (EN). This means:
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Funds are drawn from your region’s fixed annual Employer Network budget.
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Support is matched at 50% of eligible course cost.
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Health & Safety, construction, and associated training will be supported at 30% of CITB’s average market rate.
It is expected that EN budgets will be under pressure quickly, so early planning for 2026 is highly advisable.
Qualification grant changes
Although CITB is tightening short course funding, there are some important positives:
✔ NVQs remain supported
The £600 achievement grant for NVQs continues.
For employers investing in upskilling supervisors, plant operators, lifting teams, or managers, this is still a strong return on investment.
At All Star Safety Ltd, our full suite of NVQs — including Plant Operations, Lifting Operations, Occupational Work Supervision, Health and Safety, and Construction Site Management — remains fully eligible.
✘ Attendance grants for long qualifications are being removed
These will no longer be paid.
✘ Level 7 qualifications (non-apprenticeship) will no longer be grant supported
This does not affect Scottish Advanced Craft or Level 7 Apprenticeships.
First Aid training will no longer receive CITB grant support
First Aid courses are specifically listed as no longer fundable under the revised model.
However, we continue to offer high-quality, great-value training at our Ipswich centre or at your site:
Despite the loss of grant funding, these remain essential qualifications for maintaining safe sites and meeting legal requirements.
If you wish to run First Aid through the Employer Network, you must contact your local CITB adviser and specify that you want All Star Safety Ltd to deliver the training.
Why CITB is making these changes
Since 2021, CITB has seen a 36% increase in the number of employers receiving grant funding — without any increase in Levy income. Demand is now on track to exceed the available budget.
To prevent overspend and ensure fairness across the industry, CITB is focusing funding on areas that deliver the greatest long-term impact. The changes also give CITB tighter control over budgets through regional Employer Networks.
While the timing is challenging, the reasoning is understandable, and we expect 2026 to be a year of adjustment across the sector.
What employers should do next
1. Plan 2026 training early
Employer Network budgets will be finite. If you want support for short courses, contact your CITB adviser sooner rather than later.
2. Keep evidence of pre-8 December bookings
This is vital if you want those bookings honoured under the old grant rates.
3. Continue to use NVQs strategically
With the £600 achievement grant remaining in place, NVQs will form an important part of training investment in 2026.
4. Speak to us if you’re unsure how your training plans are affected
We work closely with CITB advisers and can help you secure the right route for funding support.
Attend a CITB webinar for further guidance
CITB is hosting four live Zoom sessions next week so employers and providers can ask questions directly to the Executive Team:
Webinar registration link:
https://webinars.citbevents.co.uk/home
Available sessions:
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All Employers Webinar — 16 December, 6.30pm–7.30pm
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Large Employers Webinar — 17 December, 8.30am–9.30am
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All Employers Webinar — 17 December, 10am–11am
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Training Providers Webinar — 17 December, 12.30pm–1.30pm
We strongly encourage levy-registered employers to join one of these sessions.
How All Star Safety Ltd will support you
Despite the sudden nature of the announcement, we are already adapting our 2026 planning to make sure our employers continue to get the best possible value from their CITB levy.
We will:
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Help you plan your training calendar strategically for 2026.
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Advise you which qualifications remain fundable.
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Support bookings made through your local CITB adviser.
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Ensure you maximise every grant you’re entitled to.
If you’re unsure how the changes affect your team, we’re here to help.