CITB Updates Employer Networks Funding for 2026–27 Financial Year

The changes come after a significant rise in employer participation, with CITB reporting a 36% increase in employer engagement. To ensure funding reaches a greater number of businesses while working within the existing Levy budget, the organisation has restructured how financial support will be distributed from April 2026.

New Employer Networks Funding for SMEs

From April, micro, small, and medium-sized construction employers (1–249 employees) will be eligible for:

• 50% matched funding for eligible training courses, or
• A fixed contribution towards approved health and safety training.

To make funding fairer and more accessible, CITB has also introduced an annual funding limit based on company size:

• Micro employers (1–9 employees): Up to £1,500 per year
• Small employers (10–49 employees): Up to £2,000 per year
• Medium employers (50–249 employees): Up to £4,500 per year

CITB has allocated £11.5 million to the Employer Networks programme for the 2026–27 financial year.

New Large Employer Fund Introduced

Read Also:

• CSCS Unveils AI-Powered App Upgrade to Simplify Card Applications and Boost Building Safety Compliance
• CITB Outlook 2026-2030: What is the Future of the Construction Workforce?

Other CITB Funding Remains Available

Alongside these updates, CITB continues to offer a wide range of financial support programmes, including:

• Short Course Grants
• Apprenticeship Grants
• Qualification Grants
• Travel to Train funding
• Industry Impact Fund

• Competence Frameworks
• Competence Pathways
• Sector Plans
• National Construction Colleges
• Go Construct
• Go Construct STEM Ambassadors
• New Entrant Support Teams (NEST)
• Employer advisory services

These initiatives continue to help employers recruit, train, and develop a skilled construction workforce across the UK.

CITB Explains the Reason for the Changes

Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, said the changes are necessary to meet growing demand while ensuring funding benefits more employers.

He explained that although the revised funding model may require businesses to adapt, the increase in employer engagement demonstrates that more organisations are investing in workforce development. With Levy income remaining at similar levels, CITB has adjusted its funding approach to maximise support for new entrants, skills development, and competence training across the construction industry.

What This Means for Construction Employers

Construction businesses should review the new funding arrangements before booking training for the 2026–27 financial year.

Small and medium-sized employers can continue to access valuable financial support through Employer Networks, while larger organisations should prepare their training plans to apply through the new Large Employer Fund.

These changes are designed to ensure CITB funding supports more employers, strengthens workforce competence, and helps address skills needs across the UK construction sector.