Getting started with accessible CITB training – your quick guide to upskilling

If you’re a CITB-registered employer in the construction industry, there’s an easy, flexible, and highly beneficial way to upskill your workforce, and it could cover up to 70% of your training costs. 

Through the CITB Employer Network Funding Route, you can access up to £25,000 per year for training with CITB covering 70% of the cost and your business contributing 30%. Best of all, the process is designed to be simple, with minimal paperwork and local support every step of the way.  

Let’s break down how it works. 

What is the CITB Employer Network? 

The CITB Employer Network is a funding initiative created to remove the barriers many construction companies face when trying to access training. Rather than navigating complicated grant schemes, the programme offers an easy, supportive route for accessing quality training with generous funding support. 

What are the benefits? 

• Generous funding: Claim up to £25,000 annually per employer, with CITB paying 70% of training costs. 
• Flexible training options: There’s no fixed list of eligible courses—training needs are assessed individually, meaning courses not usually covered by other grants (like those from Elecosoft’s training team) may now be eligible. 
• Low admin load: CITB handles the booking and funding process. No long application forms. 
• Local advisor support: You’ll be paired with a local CITB advisor who helps identify training needs, books courses, and manages funding. 
• Open to all employer sizes: Whether you’re a small business or a larger contractor, you can apply, as long as you’re CITB registered and comply with the levy criteria. 
• Wide range of delivery methods: Choose from online or face-to-face courses to suit your team and schedule. 

What is the CITB Levy? 

The CITB Levy is a statutory charge collected from construction employers in the UK to fund industry-wide training and skills development. 

It applies to employers who are “wholly or mainly engaged in construction activities”. Essentially, if construction makes up more than half of your workforce’s activity (including subcontractors), you are likely to pay it.  

CITB Levy Rates (2025–2026): 

• 0.35% of your PAYE wage bill 
• 1.25% of your Net CIS payments 

To stay eligible for funding, you need to: 

• Submit all required levy returns 
• Pay any outstanding levy amounts 

If you’re unsure whether you’re up to date, you can: 

• Contact your local CITB advisor 
• Check your records or recent correspondence from CITB 

The cost of your CITB Levy is based on your total payroll. Rates vary annually, and are usually confirmed in the Spring of each year.  

Who can apply? 

To access CITB Employer Network Funding, you must be registered with CITB, be up to date with your Levy returns and payments and be in an area that has an active Employer Network.  

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, your CITB advisor or Elecosoft’s support team can help confirm your status. 

How does the funding process work? 

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to access CITB Employer Network funding: 

• Join your local Employer Network: This is free. You’ll sign a CITB Employer Network Commitment Statement to get started 
• Consult your CITB training advisor: Your advisor will assess your training needs and recommend appropriate courses
• Book your training: Your advisor handles the bookings through approved training providers
• Funding applied: CITB covers 70% of the training cost. You pay just the remaining 30% directly

CITB training has been proven to deliver results. In the 2024–25 period alone: 

• Over 4,000 employers used the scheme 
• More than 50,000 learners received training 
• 86% of employers said it simplified the process of accessing training 

The funding represents a unique and game-changing opportunity, especially for SMEs, who may not have the resources to navigate traditional grant schemes to upskill their workforce. 

How can I get started? 

Our team at Elecosoft is ready to help you make the most of this opportunity. We’ll work with your CITB advisor, recommend eligible courses, and guide you through the funding process. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Contact us today to explore training options and access your share of up to £25,000 in annual funding.