CITB grant cuts scaffolding training funding: what the 2026 changes actually mean for the sector

The Construction Industry Training Board has made the most significant changes to its grant and funding programmes in years, with the bulk of the reforms taking effect from 8 January 2026 and a further structural change for large employers from 1 April 2026. ^[1] The overhaul has prompted widespread concern across the scaffolding sector, but one critical carve-out has since been confirmed: scaffolding training linked to the CISRS card scheme remains protected within the short-course grants scheme. ^[4]

What CITB changed and why

CITB announced sweeping cuts to its grant and funding programmes, citing a 36 per cent rise in demand for its services over four years while the levy rate paid by employers remained static. ^[1] The organisation said that growth in its Employer Networks and New Entrant Support Team had supported more companies without a corresponding increase in levy income, making reform unavoidable. ^[2]

From 8 January 2026, short-course training grants were withdrawn for most courses, with Employer Networks becoming the main replacement route. ^[1] From 1 April 2026, a new Large Employer Fund replaced Employer Networks access for businesses with 250 or more employees, providing up to £18,000 to spend on in-scope training for the 2026–27 financial year. ^[3] CITB described the Large Employer Fund as an interim measure while it works with large employers on a longer-term solution. ^[3]

For qualifications, attendance grants for long programmes have been removed. Achievement grants for qualifications below Level 7 are set at £600 where the achievement date falls on or after 8 January 2026. Achievement grants for Level 7 qualifications are also capped at £600, and only where the learner started before 8 December 2025, completing between 8 January 2026 and 31 March 2028. ^[5] The practical effect is that the NVQ Level 7 route, which many senior scaffolding managers used for professional development, now attracts no attendance grant at all for new starters.

CITB chief executive Tim Balcon said the changes were disruptive but necessary. ^[2] His organisation noted that reserves stood at £78.9 million in its 2024–25 accounts and were forecast to approach the charity's minimum policy floor of £50 million by March 2026, leaving no headroom to maintain historic grant rates. ^[6]

The CISRS carve-out: scaffolding training without CITB grant fears eased

The news that caused most immediate anxiety on site was the apparent withdrawal of short-course support. The Scaffolding Association moved quickly to seek clarity, and following a meeting with Tim Balcon confirmed that scaffolding training linked to the CISRS card scheme remains protected within the CITB Grants Scheme. ^[4] CITB confirmed that scaffolding training is unchanged because of its critical role in training individuals to full occupational competence. ^[4]

Importantly, several short courses that form part of recognised routes to CISRS cards, from COTS through to Part 1, Part 2 and Advanced scaffolder, continue to be supported through the short-course grant route. ^[4] CITB's own grants page confirms it pays grants for completion of courses aligned to approved scaffolding short-course standards. ^[7] Card-linked training continues to receive grants. ^[5] This means the CISRS supervisor course and the routes feeding into it are not affected by the January 2026 withdrawal in the way that non-specialist short courses were.

For smaller firms, Employer Networks remains the primary funding channel. From April 2026, support through Employer Networks is available at 50 per cent match funding, with fixed contributions also available for certain health and safety courses. The Employer Networks budget for 2026–27 has been set at £11.5 million. ^[2] Apprenticeship support is unchanged by the reforms. ^[5]

Two readings of the CITB funding changes 2026

CITB and those who accept its rationale argue the reforms protect long-term funding stability and direct support to as many employers as possible. CITB's 2026–27 Business Plan commits over £136 million, more than half of total investment, as direct financial support to employers through grants, funding and employer-led programmes. ^[8] The organisation acknowledges the changes have been disruptive and has committed to a consultation on its Strategic Plan later in 2026 to give industry a formal say on future direction. ^[8]

Critics, reported in the trade press, point to the scale of available reserves at the time of announcement and the short notice given to employers. Construction Enquirer described the reforms as controversial, given the size of reserves and the likely impact on smaller firms already facing rising training costs. ^[6] The Construction Industry Training Board itself acknowledged the pace of change was faster than originally intended, driven by demand growth that outstripped planning assumptions. ^[2] Some training providers have warned that the shift to 50 per cent match funding through Employer Networks may deter smaller scaffolding firms from pursuing higher-level qualifications for their managers, particularly now that Level 7 attendance grants have been removed.

Why this is a contractual question, not just a training one

Funding structures shape what training firms choose to buy, and that feeds directly into tender competence declarations, prequalification questionnaires and contract performance obligations. A scaffolding contractor whose supervisors or managers lack current CISRS qualifications faces a harder argument when defending a variation claim, responding to an HSE investigation, or demonstrating competence under CDM 2015. The CITB grant framework does not alter those legal requirements; it merely changes who pays for the preparation.

The EEM public-sector scaffolding framework, worth an estimated £207 million over four years, illustrates the point directly. Its tender documentation states that suppliers must employ scaffolders with all relevant CISRS qualifications, while trade body membership is recommended. ^[9] If training budgets are squeezed by the funding changes, the risk is not just skills erosion; it is disqualification from procurement frameworks that carry multi-year revenue. Managers and QS professionals involved in framework bids need to understand how their firms' training investment will be evidenced when CITB grant records are no longer a comprehensive proxy for workforce competence.

The removal of Level 7 attendance grants is particularly relevant to commercial and contracts managers seeking formal recognition of their skills. The guide on CITB funding changes and scaffolding training routes sets out the self-funded alternatives now available to firms whose senior staff can no longer access attendance support.

What scaffolding managers, QS and project teams should check now

The reforms are now live and the window to claim grants for pre-8 January training has largely closed. The priority is ensuring that training plans and budget assumptions for the rest of 2026–27 reflect the new rules accurately.

Grant reform changes who funds competence, not whether competence is required, and every contract clause that references 'suitably qualified personnel' remains as enforceable as ever.