At Boss Training, we know how important CITB funding has been in helping small, micro, and medium-sized construction companies access vital training. Many of our customers have benefited from the CITB Skills and Training (S&T) Fund to upskill staff, develop leadership, and ensure compliance across their teams. However, there are some important changes on the horizon that every employer needs to be aware of.
As of 30th September 2025, the CITB Skills and Training Fund is Ending
CITB has recently announced that the Skills and Training (S&T) Fund will close on 30 September 2025. This decision is said to be part of a wider move to simplify funding routes for employers by focusing support through the Employer Networks (ENs) and the CITB Grants Scheme.
This means that:
- You can still apply for the Skills and Training fund until the closing date.
- Any approved projects will continue to be honoured.
- After closure on the 30th September, funding support will be available via Employer Networks (ENs) instead.
What is the CITB Skills and Training Fund?
Introduced in 2018, the CITB Skills and Training Fund was designed to help small, micro and medium-sized construction companies with 1 – 99 employees invest in training development. Supporting them to upskill their workforce, improve productivity and boost business growth and enabling them to access training that is not covered by CITB grants.
Eligibility Criteria:
Small & Micro Businesses (1 – 99 PAYE Staff)
- Must be a CITB-registered company with up-to-date levy returns
- Must directly employ between 1 and 99 PAYE staff on the payroll – subcontractors do not count towards this number.
This would currently allow you to claim up to £10,000 based on the following:
- 1 – 49 staff: up to £5,000
- 50 – 74 staff: up to £7,500
- 75 – 99 staff: up to £10,000
Medium-Sized Businesses (100 – 250 PAYE Staff)
- Must be a CITB-registered company with up-to-date levy returns
- Must directly employ between 100 and 250 PAYE staff on the payroll – subcontractors do not count towards this number.
This would currently allow you to claim up to £25,000 based on the following:
- 100 – 149 staff: up to £15,000
- 150 – 199 staff: up to £20,000
- 200 – 250 staff: up to £25,000
Moving to Employer Networks
From October 2025, employers seeking financial support for training will now need to go through the CITB Employer Networks. The Employer Networks operate differently from the Skills and Training Fund:
- They typically cover up to 70% of training costs, rather than the full amount.
- They provide hands-on support in finding training, managing bookings, and reducing admin.
- They ensure that funding is aligned with local employer needs.
Will Employer Network (EN) funding match the 100% support available through the Skills & Training Fund?
No, Employer Network funding covers up to 70% of the training costs. While this is lower than the 100% support available through the Skills and Training Fund, the Employer Networks provide additional value. It reduces the administrative burden by helping employers identify suitable training and providers, and by supporting the booking process. Employers have told CITB that they value this hands-on support more than receiving full funding, as it saves both time and effort.
What This Means for You…
| Funding Option | Available Until | Funding Rate | Admin Complexity | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills & Training Fund | Until 30 Sept 2025 | 100% (up-front until Aug; completion-based Sept) | Moderate – form-based | SMEs needing full funding now |
| Employer Networks | From Oct 2025 and beyond | 70% (employer pays 30%) | Low – adviser-led | Sustainable, flexible training plans |
Short-term: Secure full funding through STF before the September 2025 deadline.
Long-term: Post-S&T Fund, transition to ENs for continued support and streamlined access to training.
If your business is planning training in the next year, now is the time to take advantage of the Skills and Training Fund before it closes. With up to £25,000 available depending on your business size, this could make a huge difference to your training budget. After September 2025, you will still be able to access support, but under different terms via Employer Networks.
At Boss Training, we are here to help you navigate these changes. Whether you want to secure Skills and Training funding before the deadline or prepare for the switch to Employer Networks, our team can guide you through the process and ensure you maximise the support available.
What is the CITB Grant, and how does it affect the Employer Network funding?
The CITB Grants Scheme offers standard grant payments to assist construction employers in covering the costs of training and apprenticeships. Grants can be claimed for things like approved short courses, qualifications, and apprentice training.
Important: You cannot claim both a CITB Grant and Employer Network (EN) funding for the same training course. If a course is already supported through your Employer Network, you can’t also apply for a grant against it.
For Example:
If you book an SMSTS course through the Employer Network and receive 70% funding support, you cannot also claim a CITB Grant for that SMSTS course. However, you can still use the Grants Scheme for other courses or apprenticeships not being supported by the Employer Network.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What do I need to do to benefit from ENs?
Be CITB-registered, up to date with levy returns and payments, and based in an area with an EN. Joining is free.
Q. Is there a cost to join?
No, Employer Networks are free to join for levy-registered employers.
Q. Can you still claim the grant courses?
Yes, but you cannot claim the CITB grant and the Employer Networks against the same course.
Q. Does EN funding cover only face-to-face training?
No, funding applies to face-to-face, tutor-led, online, and e-learning options.
Q. Is there a limit on network membership?
No, any eligible employer can join, and there are no caps.
Q. Can Training Group members still use ENs?
Yes, Training Group members can still benefit. Group training officers can coordinate with their local EN.
Q. What if there’s no EN in my area yet?
Full coverage is expected across the UK. In the meantime, employers can continue to access other funding routes.
Act Now to Secure Your Funding
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make use of the Skills and Training Fund while it’s still available or speak to us on how to utilise the Employer Network going forward.
Contact Boss Training today and let us help you plan your training and funding strategy before the September 2025 deadline.