What Construction Employers Need to Know
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced important changes to how training funding will be distributed across the construction sector from 1 April 2026.
These updates affect how employers access support through the Employer Networks scheme and introduce a new fund specifically for large employers. With training demand increasing across the industry, the changes are designed to ensure funding is distributed more sustainably while still supporting businesses to develop their workforce.
At Quinns Training Services, we want to make sure employers understand how these updates could affect their access to funded training.
Why CITB Is Updating Its Funding Approach
The construction industry is facing a growing demand for skilled workers. The UK Government has committed over £600 million to help address skills shortages and support the training of up to 60,000 additional workers.
In recent years, CITB has also seen a 36% increase in employer engagement with training programmes such as Employer Networks. While this growth is positive, it has required CITB to review how funding is allocated so that support can reach more businesses across the sector.
Employer Networks: What’s Changing for Small and Medium Businesses
Employers with between 1 and 249 employees will still be able to access support through the Employer Networks programme.
However, from April 2026 the funding structure will operate slightly differently.
Employers booking training through Employer Networks will be able to receive:
- 50% match funding for eligible training courses
- Fixed contributions for health and safety courses
To ensure funding reaches as many employers as possible, CITB has introduced annual caps based on company size.
Annual Funding Caps
- 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
The Employer Networks programme will have a total budget of £11.5 million for the 2026–27 financial year.
A New Fund for Large Construction Employers
From April 2026, employers with 250 or more employees will no longer access Employer Networks.
Instead, they will be able to apply for a new Large Employer Fund created for the 2026–27 financial year.
This fund provides up to £18,000 per employer to spend on approved training.
To apply, large employers will need to submit a training plan or evidence of training requirements when making their application.
Expressions of Interest for the fund will open from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026.
How Quinns Training Services Can Help
Understanding funding options can sometimes be confusing for employers. At Quinns Training Services, we help construction companies identify the most cost-effective training routes available, including support through CITB funding schemes.
We deliver a wide range of construction training courses, including:
- Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
- Health and safety training for construction teams
- First aid and workplace safety qualifications
Many of these courses may be eligible for CITB funding, helping employers invest in workforce skills while reducing training costs.
Contact Quinns Training Services
If you would like to learn more about CITB funding changes or book training for your team, our team is happy to help.
Quinns Training Services
🌐 https://quinnstraining.co.uk
📧 enquiries@quinnstraining.co.uk
📞 02920 549747
Our experienced team can guide you through training options, funding support, and course availability to help your workforce stay safe, compliant and skilled.
