The construction industry is currently at a pivotal crossroads. With a government commitment of over £600 million to tackle skills shortages and a target to train 60,000 new workers, the demand for high-quality training has never been higher. To ensure this momentum is sustainable, CITB has announced significant updates to how training funding will be distributed from 1 April 2026.
Who are CITB and what do they do?
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is the dedicated skills body for the British construction industry. Their primary role is to support the sector in attracting talent and supporting training to build a skilled, safe, and professional workforce. They work by collecting a “Levy” from construction employers, which is then reinvested into the industry through grants, funding, and the development of National Occupational Standards.
How the funding works
Traditionally, CITB funding is accessible through various streams, including apprenticeship grants, short-course grants, and specialised funds like the Employer Networks. These networks are designed to simplify the process, allowing groups of employers to work together to identify local training needs and access funded support directly, often with less paperwork than traditional grant claims.
The New Changes: What is happening from April 2026?
To ensure funding reaches as many businesses as possible, CITB is introducing a tiered approach based on employer size:
- For Micro, Small, and Medium Employers (1–249 employees): Support continues through the Employer Networks. However, to manage the £11.5 million budget sustainably, new annual funding caps will be introduced:
- Micro (1–9 staff): Capped at £1,500.
- Small (10–49 staff): Capped at £2,000.
- Medium (50–249 staff): Capped at £4,500.
Funding will be available as 50% match funding or a fixed contribution for health and safety courses.
- For Large Employers (250+ employees): From 1 April, large employers will no longer be eligible for the Employer Networks. In its place, a new Large Employer Fund has been launched for the 2026-27 financial year. This provides up to £18,000 for in-scope training. This is a transitional measure while CITB develops a longer-term strategic solution for larger firms.
Next Steps
Regardless of these changes, all businesses can still access core support such as apprenticeship grants, the Industry Impact Fund, and “Travel to Train” subsidies. Large employers interested in the new fund should prepare to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) between 1 April and 30 June 2026.
MITSkills: Bespoke Training for Your Workforce
As a Training Provider with over 20 years of experience, MITSkills remains committed to delivering the accredited training that keeps your business competitive. We understand that every firm has unique requirements, which is why we focus on high-impact, practical training solutions that align with your specific commercial goals.
If you are looking for a training partner that understands the construction sector’s demands, we invite you to reach out. Please contact our customer service team to discuss your bespoke training options with a representative:
Email: hello@mitskills.com
Phone: 0300 303 2225