CITB Skills & Training Fund Closing 30th September 2025
27 August 2025
CITB Skills & Training Fund Closing – Employer Networks to Take the Lead
From 30 September 2025, the CITB Skills and Training Fund will close, marking the end of a familiar route for employers seeking funding for workforce development. From this point onwards, Employer Networks will become the single channel for accessing CITB support.
This change is part of a wider shift by CITB to simplify how employers access funding, ensure training aligns more closely with industry needs, and make opportunities more accessible to smaller businesses. By focusing resources through Employer Networks, CITB aims to reduce duplication, encourage collaboration between companies, and ensure that investment in training directly addresses both local and national skills gaps.
What’s Changing?
x - The Skills & Training Fund closes on 30 September 2025
✓ - Employer Networks become the single channel for funding and support
Why the Change?
CITB is moving to Employer Networks to:
- Make access to training simpler and fairer, especially for smaller businesses
- Ensure funding is used on the skills most needed locally and across the industry
- Encourage employers to work together on training solutions
What Are Employer Networks?
What exactly are Employer Networks? These are regional groups of construction employers who work together, supported by CITB, to identify common training needs and find practical solutions. Instead of individual businesses applying for funding in isolation, employers pool their insights and resources, making it easier to deliver training that benefits the whole community. This collaborative approach ensures that funding is used where it has the greatest impact.
Employer Networks are regional groups of construction businesses working with CITB. They:
- Identify local training needs
- Pool resources to deliver shared training
- Give employers direct access to funding support
What Employers Need to Do
For employers, the message is clear: if you currently rely on the Skills and Training Fund, you will need to prepare for this change. Applications to the existing fund will close on 30 September 2025, after which the Employer Networks will take over as the sole way to access CITB support. The best way to prepare is by engaging with your local Network, understanding how it operates, and ensuring your training needs are represented in its plans.
While the closure of the Skills and Training Fund may feel like the loss of a straightforward option, the new system promises a more joined-up and responsive approach. By joining their local Employer Network, businesses will not only continue to benefit from CITB funding but will also play an active role in shaping the future skills landscape of the construction industry.
- Plan ahead – the last date for Skills Fund applications is 30 September 2025
- Join your local Employer Network – this will be the only route to funding from October 2025
- Review your training needs – make sure they’re raised within your Network
Why selecting a CITB-approved trainer like RISK is important?
The construction industry is heavily regulated to ensure worker safety and efficiency. CITB-approved trainers like RISK provide workers and managers with trusted, standardised training that meets industry requirements, enabling individuals to work safely and legally on construction sites.
A key condition of accessing the 70% - 30% funding and grants for training is that you book direct with a CITB Approved Training Organistaion. Book through a broker, even if the delivery is via a CITB ATO, and you will not be eligible. Grants and funding are easy and quick to access, and the RISK team can help you navigate the process. Even if you are a construction company below the wage role threshold, or an individual.
These networks are designed to ensure that all employers—regardless of size—have access to the training and resources needed to remain competitive in the construction sector.
As a CITB ATO RISK can help you to...
► Access 70% to 100% Grants and Funding via the CITB Employer Network
► You get the best training, with no hidden costs or compromise
► Delivering the training and supporting EACH delegate through the process
Book online today using the form on 'How can I get funding via the CITB Employer Network' or call us on 01623 749718 to find out more
