Why CITB Levy Payers Must Now Book Training Through Their Network Advisor
18 May 2026
For construction companies paying the CITB levy, accessing training funds is no longer as simple as booking directly with a provider.
A key procedural shift is now in place: if you want to use your CITB funds, training must be arranged through your CITB Network Advisor, who will then process the booking via an approved Training Provider Network (TPN) member.
This isn’t an administrative hurdle for the sake of it—it’s a deliberate move designed to improve training quality, accountability, and long-term workforce competence across the construction industry.
What’s Changed?
Historically, levy-paying companies had more flexibility in how they sourced training. However, inconsistencies in quality, delivery standards, and outcomes led CITB to introduce tighter controls.
Now, the process works like this:
- You identify a training need within your business
- You contact your CITB Network Advisor
- The advisor coordinates with CITB
- Training is delivered through an approved TPN provider
If you bypass this process, you risk not being able to access your levy funds.
Why This Is Now in Force
At its core, this change is about raising standards.
The construction industry has long struggled with uneven training quality. In some cases, workers were being certified without genuinely meeting competency expectations. This created risk—not just for individuals, but for employers, clients, and the wider industry.
By funnelling all funded training through the Network Advisor and TPN system, CITB can:
- Ensure consistency in course delivery
- Approve and monitor providers against strict criteria
- Align training with current industry standards
- Improve accountability and traceability of funding
This is particularly important in light of recent industry issues around expiring certifications and “hangover” effects from COVID-era extensions, where many workers are now discovering their qualifications are no longer valid or up to standard.
Quality Over Convenience
While this system may feel less flexible, it delivers a clear benefit: confidence.
When training is booked through the CITB network:
- Employers know their workforce is being trained to recognised standards
- Workers receive qualifications that hold real value
- Funding is used effectively, not wasted on subpar provision
In short, the system protects both your investment and your reputation.
Why Choosing the Right Training Provider Still Matters
Even within the TPN, not all providers are equal.
This is where your choice of training partner becomes critical. You need a provider that doesn’t just meet CITB requirements, but exceeds them—delivering training that is practical, up-to-date, and genuinely prepares your workforce for site realities.
Why RISK Stands Out
RISK is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading CITB-approved training providers—and for good reason.
They combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of industry challenges, particularly around compliance and certification renewal. Their insights into issues like SSSTS and SMSTS “hangovers” highlight a proactive approach: not just delivering training, but helping companies avoid costly mistakes.
Key strengths include:
- CITB-approved courses aligned with current standards
- Clear guidance on certification requirements and renewals
- Industry-led trainers with real-world experience
- A focus on preventing compliance gaps before they arise
At a time when training quality is under greater scrutiny than ever, RISK offer something invaluable: certainty.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a CITB levy payer, the message is simple:
- You must book training through your Network Advisor to access your funds
- This system is designed to protect quality and ensure industry-wide standards
- Choosing the right provider within that system remains crucial
By working with both your CITB advisor and a trusted provider like RISK, you’re not just ticking a compliance box—you’re investing in a safer, more competent, and more resilient workforce.
