CITB has announced updated arrangements for how in-scope employers will be able to access funding for training from 1 April 2026, with the level of support available depending on the size of the organisation.
The update follows CITB’s recent decision to pause new training bookings through Employer Networks for courses taking place before 1 April, after confirming that the current year’s budget has been fully committed due to high demand.
Employer Networks funding from April
From the start of the 2026/27 financial year, micro to medium-sized employers will continue to be able to access training through Employer Networks, although funding will now be capped depending on business size.
Training will be available through 50% match funding, or via a fixed contribution for health and safety courses, with the following caps applying:
- Micro employers: up to £1,500
- Small employers: up to £2,000
- Medium employers: up to £4,500
New funding route for large employers
Under the revised approach, large employers will no longer access training funding through Employer Networks.
Instead, CITB is introducing a new Large Employer Fund, which will provide £18,000 per year for eligible businesses to spend on in-scope training.
Funding will be paid against an approved training plan or on receipt of evidence that training has taken place.
Other funding routes remain available
CITB has confirmed that all employers, regardless of size, will still be able to access support through a range of existing funding schemes, including:
- Apprenticeship grants
- Travel to Train support
- Qualification grants
- Short course grants for certain specialist courses
- The Industry Impact Fund
FIS response
FIS has raised concerns with CITB regarding the level of the funding caps, particularly where the caps are linked to employee numbers despite higher levy contributions associated with CIS workers.
These concerns will be discussed further with CITB at upcoming meetings, and FIS will continue to represent member feedback as the new arrangements are implemented.
Further updates will be shared with members as discussions progress.