We are writing to inform you of important changes to CITB’s grants and funding offer. These will take effect from 8 January 2026. 

We know funding changes can cause concern, so we want to provide clear, straightforward information about what’s changing, why, and what you need to do. 
 
Why changes are being made  
Since 2021, we’ve increased the number of unique employers supported by 36%, without increasing Levy rates. While this is positive, it now means demand for financial support will soon exceed Levy income.   
   
To ensure we can continue to support the whole industry in a sustainable and strategic way, we must focus our resources where they have the greatest impact. This means we will prioritise funding for training that contributes to bridging the Skills Gap. 

 
What’s changing from 8 January 2026  
 
Short Course Training  

• Short course training will no longer be supported through the Grants Scheme apart from Plant Operations, Scaffolding and other specialist courses. The full list of courses is available to view on our website  
• Support will now be delivered exclusively via Employer Networks  
• Pre‑8 December bookings that are completed between 8 January and 31 March 2026 will be honoured where there is evidence provided of booking date to qualify for grant payment.  
• Please note, any short training already booked before 8 December (with evidence) will be honoured at current rates.  

Booking Requirements  

• You must contact your local adviser who will help you identify and book your training needs.  

Funding via Employer Networks  

• CITB will match fund 50% of eligible courses  
• H&S in construction and associated courses supported at 30% of average market rate (full list available on our website)  

• The EN fund operates on a finite, fixed annual budget which will be carefully managed throughout the year to ensure support is distributed fairly
• First Aid training will not be supported.  

Qualification Grant Changes  

• Attendance grants for long qualifications removed*  
• Achievement grant of £600  
• Level 7 qualifications no longer supported.  

* This does not impact Level 7 Apprenticeships, or Scottish Advanced Craft Certifications which are SCQF Level 7 (equivalent to QCF Level 5.) 

 
Large employers  

• Will not be supported for any training via EN funding after 31 March 2026  
• A new offer for large employers will be co-designed in early 2026 and launched from 1 April. 

What you need to do 

• If planning short-duration training, please ensure bookings are made through Employer Networks to access funding 
• Prioritise your training needs 
• Contact your dedicated CITB Adviser for support. 

 
We understand that any change brings challenges, and we are here to support you through this transition. Our aim is to ensure the system remains fair, sustainable and accessible to as many employers as possible. 
 
To make understanding these changes easier, we’re hosting a series of informative webinars. Follow the link to select the webinar that’s right for you. 

For more information on this update, and how to get in touch if you have any questions at all, please take a look at this dedicated support page. 
 

 Tim Balcon 

Chief Executive

Let’s round off the year together! We’re inviting all HCTG members to our Christmas Buffet Lunch – a relaxed chance to catch up and enjoy a bit of festive cheer before the break.

 Thursday  4th December 2025
 11.30am – 2.00pm
 Fairways Golf Club and Restaurant, Inverness

Contact Debbie at info@hctg.net to book your place

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and engaged in our Mock Trial today. 👩‍⚖️⚖️
The delivery from Karen Railton of DAC Beachcroft was nothing short of brilliant – I’m sure everyone took something valuable away from the session.
Our venue at Balloch and Culloden Baptist Church was ideal for bringing this event to life.
Special thanks also go to:
Sarah Sharp CMIOSH, IOSH
Stephen Simpson MCIOB AssocRICS FCMI, CIOB
Paul Mitchell MCIPD, Scottish Building
for helping us spread the word and highlight this event to your members. Your support made a real difference in ensuring such a strong turnout.
It was a fantastic morning of learning, engagement, and shared insights – thank you again to all who were part of it!

CITB is streamlining how levy‑registered employers access funding for training. From 30 September 2025, the current Skills & Training Fund will close, with Employer Networks becoming the single route for business development support—making the process clearer, not removing support. Core grants will still operate, and previously agreed applications will be honoured. Applications submitted in September will follow new terms, with funding paid upon project completion.

Read the full announcement

On 5 August 2025, DAC Beachcroft partner Karen Railton examines the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of 10‑year‑old Shea Ryan, who fell into an incomplete manhole after gaining access to a nearby construction site at night. The article outlines the sheriff’s fatal accident inquiry findings—which highlighted serious shortcomings in site security, communication between contractors, and daily safety protocols—and summarises seven key recommendations made to the HSE to better protect children from construction risks moving forward.

Read the full article here: Construction industry – is your site safe for children?

We’ve got a great line-up of events over the coming months and we’d love to see you there. These are open to all HCTG members, so get booked in and bring along your team where relevant.

🛠 Mini SHAD – Respiratory Protection with 3M
Thursday 7th August 2025
9.30am – 11.00am
📍 Fairways Golf Club, Inverness, IV2 6AA
An essential refresher on respiratory protection, ideal for managers, supervisors and operatives.

⚖️ Mini SHAD – Construction Mock Trial with DAS Beachcroft
Thursday 2nd October 2025
9.30am – 11.30am
📍 Culloden-Balloch Baptist Church, Wellside Rd, Balloch, Inverness IV2 7GS
Get an inside look at what happens when safety processes go wrong. A must for managers, supervisors and directors.

🎄 Christmas Lunch
Thursday 4th December 2025
11.30am – 2.00pm
📍 Fairways Golf Club and Restaurant, Inverness, IV2 6AA
Join us for a relaxed buffet lunch to celebrate the year and connect with other members.

👉 To book your place or find out more, contact Debbie at info@hctg.net
We look forward to seeing you at one (or all!) of these events.

CITB are holding a Skills and Training Conference on 28th August 2025 in Perth.

This event is open to Employers and Training Providers – for more information and how to book your place click – https://skillsscotland.citbevents.co.uk/home#home

HCTG were delighted to welcome Brogan from Mikeysline to present on Mental Health and Wellbeing at our recent Mini Shad event.

Mikeysline do such important work in the local area and it was great to hear the support they can offer.

We’re really pleased to invite you along to our next MINI Shad event, taking place on Thursday 5th June at Fairways Golf Club, Inverness, from 9.30am to 11am.

This session will focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing, with a talk delivered by the brilliant team at Mikeysline. It’s open to all member companies and their employees, so please do feel free to share the invite within your workplace.

If you’d like to join us, you can book your spot here: https://forms.office.com/e/QPP9jQ3fMg

Looking forward to seeing you there