Implementation Date: 8 January 2026
As members may be aware, significant changes to the CITB Grant and Funding Scheme officially came into effect last week on 8 January 2026. These changes fundamentally alter how training is funded, particularly regarding Short Courses and Long Qualifications.
To ensure your business maximizes its available funding and avoids unexpected costs, we have compiled a detailed breakdown of the new rules below.
1. Short Course Training
The route to funding for short courses now depends heavily on when the training was booked and clearly distinguishes between standard grants and the Employer Network (EN).
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Bookings made on or before 7 January 2026:
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These courses remain eligible for the Short Course Grant at a rate of 70%.
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You must apply via the grant product email, and evidence is required to apply.
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Bookings made on or after 8 January 2026:
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New Funding Rate: The grant rate has been reduced to 50%.
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New Route: Funding is now routed through the Employer Network (EN).
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Action Required: Training must now be booked directly through the ENs to access this 50% funding from CITB.
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2. Critical Changes to Specific Course Types
Not all training follows the standard Short Course rule changes. Please note the following specific exclusions and removals:
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First Aid Training:
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For any First Aid training booked on or after 8 January 2026, funding has been removed entirely. These courses are no longer funded by CITB, and the grant is not available.
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Plant & Scaffolding Training:
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The Grant Route: The Short Course Grant remains available for these courses, and rates have no change.
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The EN Route: Please note that Employer Network (EN) funding stopped for Plant & Scaffolding with immediate effect as of 8 December 2025.
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Health & Safety Training:
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For bookings made on or after 8 January 2026, this training must be booked through the Employer Networks (ENs).
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It will be partially funded by CITB, as shown on the courses list.
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3. Long Qualifications (Below Level 7)
The financial support structure for Long Qualifications has been overhauled, with reductions in achievement grants and the removal of attendance grants.
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Achievement Grants:
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For all long qualification achievements (regardless of level) on or after 8 January 2026, the grant has been reduced to £600.
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Attendance Grants:
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The Attendance Grant has been removed for all Long Qualifications (Below Level 7).
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Transitional Arrangements (Urgent Action):
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If you have learners who started their qualification prior to 9 December 2025, you can still honor the current attendance grants.
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DEADLINE: You must notify CITB by 31 March 2026 of any learners with a start date prior to 9 December 2025 to secure this funding.
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An achievement grant of £600 applies if the achievement date is before 31 March 2028.
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4. Level 7 Qualifications
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For any Level 7 qualifications starting on or after 8 January 2026, all Grant and Employer Network support has been removed.
Summary of Key Actions for NAS Members
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Review your bookings: Ensure any Short Course training booked from last week onwards goes through the Employer Network to secure the 50% funding.
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Check your First Aid budget: Be aware that CITB will no longer contribute to these costs for new bookings.
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Notify CITB before 31 March: If you have staff currently undertaking Long Qualifications who started before 9 Dec 2025, you must declare them to CITB immediately to retain their attendance grant eligibility.
If you are unsure how these changes impact your specific training plan, please contact the NAS team for guidance. Or view the CITB guide below
