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As an accredited CITB training provider, 3B Training has extensive experience supporting construction employers across UK. Accredited by over 15 awarding bodies, we help businesses and individuals access nationally recognised health and safety training. This week, CITB announced a major change that will significantly affect how employers access funding for training: the Training Group Grant will be discontinued from 1st April 2026.
Understanding this change is critical for employers planning their training strategy and workforce development. In this article, we break down the announcement, explain why it is happening, examine its impact on employers, and provide actionable guidance to navigate the transition effectively.
At 3B Training, we have worked with hundreds of construction businesses—from small, family-run contractors to large national housebuilders—helping them make the most of CITB funding. Over the years, we have seen first-hand how Training Groups have provided:
While Training Groups have historically provided significant value, the evolving demands of the construction sector and the pressure on CITB to optimise funding have prompted this shift.
CITB regularly evaluates its funding programmes to ensure Levy reinvestment delivers maximum impact. The decision to withdraw Training Group funding reflects a combination of financial and strategic considerations:
CITB has seen a 36% rise in employer demand for its services over recent years, while Levy rates have remained static. This means CITB must do more with the same resources.
Newer support models, such as Employer Networks and the New Entrant Support Team, have proven more cost-effective and capable of engaging a broader cross-section of the industry. These models reduce overheads while still ensuring training reaches those who need it most.
By reallocating resources to these newer initiatives, CITB can maximise the impact of Levy funding while ensuring more employers receive valuable support. This decision aligns with long-term industry goals, including improving skills retention, fostering new entrants, and addressing skills shortages.
CITB’s Industry Funding Committee and Board emphasised that while the decision to end Training Group funding was difficult, it is necessary to deliver the greatest impact for all employers across Great Britain.
The Training Group Grant will end on 31 March 2026. CITB has committed to supporting Training Groups during the transition period, but funding beyond this date will not be available.
CITB is developing a new funding model designed to support specialist sectors, particularly those requiring high-level or niche skills. This new model is intended to:
Further details on this model will be published via the CITB website and the Government Central Digital Platform, with pre-tender webinars scheduled for January 2026. Employers planning to access these new opportunities should actively monitor CITB updates to ensure they are ready when applications open.
With this major funding shift, construction employers need a clear strategy to maintain workforce training and compliance. Practical steps include:
Accredited providers such as 3B Training can deliver a wide range of CITB-funded and non-funded training courses. By choosing 3B Training, employers can secure continuity in upskilling programmes, ensure compliance with statutory and industry standards, and avoid last-minute disruptions.
This approach also guarantees that training is delivered by an experienced provider recognised by CITB, maintaining both quality and credibility.
Identify which programmes currently rely on Training Group Grant support. Understanding your dependencies now will allow for a smoother transition and minimise disruption in 2026.
Example: A medium-sized construction company in Manchester had relied on a local Training Group for asbestos awareness courses. By auditing their training calendar now, they can explore alternative CITB-approved providers, including 3B Training, or Employer Network opportunities to ensure continued compliance.
Employer Networks have become central to CITB’s new approach. These networks provide:
Real-World Insight: 3B Training has seen clients benefit from Employer Networks in the North West. These networks helped smaller contractors access site safety and management training that would have been challenging to organise independently.
CITB’s forthcoming specialist sector model may provide new funding opportunities for high-skill or niche areas. Employers should register interest and participate in pre-tender webinars to ensure they are ready to apply.
Scenario: A regional civil engineering company relies on a Training Group to deliver scaffold training across multiple sites. In anticipation of the end of the Training Group Grant, the company could:
By proactively planning and working with an accredited provider like 3B Training, employers can minimise disruption, maintain compliance, and efficiently upskill their workforce.
At 3B Training, we leverage our extensive experience and industry expertise to guide businesses through changes like these. Our approach includes:
By combining experience with a deep understanding of CITB processes, we help employers maintain productivity, safety, and compliance during periods of funding transition.
Q: Will Training Groups disappear completely in 2026? A: Yes. While groups may continue to operate independently, CITB funding through the Training Group Grant will end on 31st March 2026.
Q: Are Employer Networks the replacement for Training Groups? A: Not exactly. Employer Networks complement the new funding strategy by providing regional and sector-specific training opportunities, but employers will need to actively engage to access support.
Q: How can SMEs minimise disruption? A: SMEs should audit existing training dependencies, engage with Employer Networks, and partner with accredited providers like 3B Training to maintain continuity.
3B Training is an accredited CITB training provider with over a decade of experience delivering accredited construction training. We help employers maximise Levy funding, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure their workforce is upskilled to meet current and future demands. Our experience, expertise, and industry authority make us a trusted partner for employers navigating CITB funding changes.
While the withdrawal of the Training Group Grant represents a significant change for construction employers, proactive planning, engagement with Employer Networks, and collaboration with an accredited training provider like 3B Training ensures continuity, compliance, and workforce development remain on track.
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