CITB Levy Overhaul: What Employers Must Prepare For in 2025

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced major changes to how levy-registered employers access training and funding support. From September 2025, businesses will need to adapt quickly to ensure they continue receiving grants and workforce development resources.

These updates will reshape how companies use the CITB Levy, making it more important than ever for employers to understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

For organisations investing in CITB-approved training courses and workforce compliance, early planning will help avoid disruption and maximise funding opportunities.

What Is the CITB Levy?

The CITB Levy is an industry funding system designed to support construction training, skills development and long-term workforce growth across the UK.

Employers who pay the levy can reclaim part of their contribution through grants, helping offset the cost of essential qualifications such as CSCS green card training, supervisor development and CITB approved courses for their staff.

Until now, many businesses have accessed funding through the CITB Skills & Training Fund.  However, this structure is changing significantly in 2025.

👉 Learn more directly from the CITB homepage.

What’s Changing in 2025?

CITB is streamlining how levy-registered employers access funding and manage training support.

Skills & Training Fund Closure

From 30 September 2025, the Skills & Training Fund will close. Employers will instead access funding primarily through Employer Networks, which aim to create more localised and collaborative training support for CITB approved training organisations.

Industry Accreditation Uplift Removed

From 30 December 2025, the Industry Accreditation uplift will end. This support was introduced to help workers transition after Industry Accredited CSCS cards were phased out in 2024.

New Online Services Platform

Launching 24 September 2025, a new digital platform will allow employers to:

• Manage levy accounts more easily
• Submit grant claims faster
• Track workforce training progress
• Access funding information in one place

👉 For reference, see the CITB Skills & Training Fund updates.

How Employers Can Prepare Now…

With deadlines approaching, employers should review workforce training strategies immediately.

Engage with Employer Networks

Build relationships with your local Employer Network to secure future levy-funded training opportunities and understand available grants.

Update Workforce Qualifications

If employees still hold expired or soon-to-expire Industry Accredited CSCS cards, transition them to recognised alternatives now. 

COSAC’s Safe2Site Online CSCS Green Card provides an accessible, fully CITB approved training organisation route for operatives needing CSCS green card training.

Consider Bundled Training Support

Employers looking for a streamlined solution can benefit from the Safe2Site Premium Package, which includes:

• Training course
• HS&E test booking
• CSCS card application support

This reduces administration while keeping teams compliant and aligned with CITB approved courses.

Invest in Supervisors

With increasing site supervision requirements, leadership training should also be prioritised. The Safe2Site Supervision course offers a flexible online alternative to traditional SSSTS, ensuring all CITB approved training providers are utilised effectively.

Why These Changes Matter for Construction Employers?

For many businesses, the CITB Levy can feel like another operational cost. In reality, it is an investment designed to strengthen workforce capability.

By shifting away from the Skills & Training Fund toward Employer Networks, CITB aims to:

• Simplify funding access
• Improve transparency in grant claims
• Give employers greater control over levy accounts
• Align training more closely with industry needs

This creates a clearer connection between levy contributions and workforce development outcomes, and supports faster uptake of CSCS green card training and other CITB approved courses.

How Online Training Supports the New Levy Structure.

As funding systems modernise, flexible learning solutions are becoming increasingly important. Online CITB approved training providers allow employers to:

• Train staff without removing them from the site
• Accelerate onboarding timelines
• Maintain compliance efficiently
• Reduce administrative delays

Digital training also helps businesses respond faster to qualification changes introduced by levy reforms and ensures teams are ready with CSCS green card training or supervisor qualifications.

FAQs About CITB Training and Certification:

How long does it take to get a CITB certificate?

Most online CITB approved courses can be completed within a few hours, with certificates typically issued within 24 hours, depending on the course provider and assessment completion.

Is it hard to pass the CITB test?

The CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test is designed to confirm practical safety knowledge. With proper preparation and recognised CITB approved training providers, most candidates pass successfully on their first attempt.

Final Thoughts…

The upcoming CITB Levy changes represent a significant shift for construction employers… but they also present an opportunity.

Businesses that act early by updating qualifications, engaging with Employer Networks and adopting flexible online CITB approved courses will be best positioned to benefit from the new system.

If your organisation is levy-registered, now is the time to review training strategies and futureproof your workforce. Ensure your team is compliant with CSCS green card training and other recognised CITB approved training organisations to maximise funding and skills development.

👉 View all COSAC training courses or explore our blog hub for the latest industry updates.