We can help take away some of the confusion about what funding and incentives you may be eligible for. From understanding the apprenticeship levy to explaining off the job training. Read more below, or get in touch with our Business Training Solutions Team or completing this enquiry form.

Fully Funded Training - CITB

For a limited period, from January to the end of March, CITB is providing full funding for eligible training courses. This means that the Employer Networks cover 100% of the cost, so there’s nothing to pay. However, training must be booked on by 31 March to qualify for full funding.

After March, Employer Networks will continue to fund 70% of training costs, provided the course is booked through CITB and the employer is CITB registered.

What Are Employer Networks?
Employer Networks are a CITB-funded initiative designed to simplify access to training and funding for construction employers.

Key Benefits:

  • Easier access to training and funding – covering essential trade skills, net zero, digital skills, mentoring, and more.
  • No paperwork required – Employer Networks handle everything, so businesses can focus on training.
  • Employer-led approach – bringing together local businesses to inform CITB on training needs, funding priorities, and skills development.

This initiative helps construction employers upskill their workforce while ensuring training aligns with industry demands now and in the future.

 

£1000 Apprenticeship Incentive

Employers are entitled to £1,000 incentive payment for supporting a 16-18 year old partaking in an apprenticeship standard, as well as a 19-24 year old formerly in care or who has an Education and Health Care Plan.

Evidence of an original signed declaration by the apprentice to confirm that they are a care leaver or evidence of an EHC plan is required in order to claim this incentive.

Please get in touch with our Business Training Solutions team by calling 01922 657000 or submitting an enquiry if you would like to discuss hiring an apprentice.

Apprenticeship Funding and the Levy

The apprenticeship levy applies to large employers in the UK with an annual payroll of more than £3 million, including private, public sector, and charitable organisations.

How does the levy work?

  • The levy is set at 0.5% of an employer’s total annual pay bill.
  • Employers pay the levy monthly through their Employee Payment Summary.
  • Levy funds can be used to cover apprenticeship training costs.
  • Any unused levy funds contribute to apprenticeship training for smaller employers.

For Employers with a Payroll Over £3 Million

  • These employers are Levy payers.
  • They contribute 0.5% of their annual payroll bill above £3 million to fund apprenticeships.

For Employers with a Payroll Below £3 Million (For new starts from April 1, 2024)

  • Fully funded apprenticeship training is available for:
    • 16 to 21-year-olds.
    • 22 to 24-year-olds with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), if their employer has fewer than 50 employees.
    • Employers do not need to pay for apprenticeship training for these learners.
  • For apprentices aged 22 and over (who do not meet the above criteria), apprenticeship training is co-funded, meaning employers pay 5% of the cost, while the government covers the remaining 95%.

What if an employer’s levy funds don’t cover the cost of training?

If a levy-paying employer’s funds are insufficient, the government will cover 95% of the additional costs, with the employer contributing the remaining 5%.

This funding model ensures affordable access to apprenticeship training, supporting businesses of all sizes in developing a skilled workforce.

Discounted Travel Scheme for newly employed people including Apprentices

Workwise offers eligible newly employed applicants 50% off the full cost price on selected travel passes across the West Midlands network for the first 3 months of a new job. This includes Apprenticeships.

Tickets available over bus, train and tram. For more information about the scheme, eligibility and how to apply, visit Workwise.
Download the Workwise Travel Support Information Pack.

Travel to Train Grant

CITB is widening the support offer for employers with apprentices who have to ‘Travel to Train’.

CITB will fund 80% of accommodation costs for eligible apprentices of grant eligible employers who attend colleges or training providers where overnight stays and travel to and from a hotel to a place of training, are required. Employers can also claim excess costs for apprentice travel where the cost exceeds £30 per week.

Who can apply for funding?
Travel to Train funding is available to all eligible Apprentices, with grant eligible employers, in training on or after 1 April 2021, in England, Scotland and Wales.

What this fund is for
The funding for Apprenticeship travel and accommodation covers:

  • 80% of accommodation and subsistence costs for apprentices staying away for block training. The employer will be required to pay 20% of the total cost
  • Travel claims will only be paid where the cost of travel for the Apprentice exceeds £30 per week and only the excess amount will be claimable.

The accommodation will be sourced by our approved hotel provider, in order to safeguard apprentices and achieve volume booking discounts. Accommodation will be booked on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis.

Accommodation funding and/or travel costs can only be claimed for Apprentices employed by CITB registered, grant eligible employers in England, Scotland and Wales.

Find out more here or email us on info@constructioncollege.co.uk or call 01922 663600.