Employer Networks (ENs), setup and funded by CITB, are a collaboration between CITB and local employers.
They have two main objectives:
Make it easier for you to access the training and funding you need
Bring together employers and other stakeholders at a local level to effectively use training provision to address immediate and future skills needs in their region
CITB registered businesses across the UK, who are levy paying and meet the criteria can access this funding. This fund is for training courses only, not the qualifications we offer.
This funding allows for a wide range of training courses to be funded which may not have been funded via the "Grants Scheme". This is reviewed on a case by case basis.
Employer Networks offer much more than just funded training. The networks provide an opportunity for employers to come together at a local level to inform CITB on training needs, advise on funding priorities, and work collectively to address immediate and future skills gaps in their region. This insight is shared with training providers to inform decisions on future courses and training they might wish to offer, providing a joined-up approach that delivers the skills outcomes needed.
Different to the Grant Funding streams
Designed for training
50% match funding or fixed contribution
What are the Funding levels?
From April 2026, micro to medium employers – those that employ between 1 to 249 employees – will be able to book training at 50% match funding or at a fixed contribution for health and safety courses. Large employers will now have their own separate fund. There is a cap and is based upon employer size, per year.
Employer caps are defined at the start of each financial year and reviewed annually.
Recent funding changes mean that most construction specific short duration courses, including Health & Safety, can now be funded through Employer Networks.
The exceptions are:
Scaffolding - which remains partially funded through the CITB grants route
Plant Training - which remains partially funded through the CITB grants route
A small number of specialist short courses. See full list of course exceptions
Large- 250+ Employees- £18,000- Cap for in-scope training
How does the funding work?
CITB'S aim is to support as many eligible employers as possible with their training needs, however Employer Networks funding is budget-led, not demand-led and funding values are subject to change.
CITB's Grant scheme which differs to the Employer Network, pays for qualifications and certain training, meaning Levy paying employers can seperate their requirements.
Once your training has been booked your training provider will invoice you with the proportion of the total cost you need to pay and when by, and CITB will pay the difference.
How do I access the EN funding?
You will need to contact CITB direct to let them know what training you require, and they will organise it for you.
Working together to address the skills gap
Employer Networks offer much more than just funded training. The networks provide an opportunity for employers to come together at a local level to inform CITB on training needs, advise on funding priorities, and work collectively to address immediate and future skills gaps in their region. This insight is shared with training providers to inform decisions on future courses and training they might wish to offer, providing a joined-up approach that delivers the skills outcomes needed.