Last week we attended the CITB’s Employer Funding Event which was held at the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre in Blantyre. First of all, what a fantastic facility they have there. It’s one of eight industry lead and demand driven Innovation Centres supported by the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, The Scottish University and College sector, and is hosted by Edinburgh Napier University. They focus on 4 main support streams; Business Innovation, Product Innovation, Process Innovation and Service Innovation, and have their very own Innovation Factory with all the latest technology and gadgets to aid in product design. It truly is amazing to see.

But down to business, here’s what we learned about funding & support for CITB registered employers;

CITB Grants support 3 forms of training – Apprenticeships, Qualifications & Short Duration training.

Apprenticeship grants

Up to £14.5k of funding is available per apprentice carrying out a level 3 qualification and £8.5k per apprentice carrying out a level 2 qualification. Funding is only applicable for approved apprenticeships. Attendance payments are made every 13 weeks directly to you.

https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-funding/apprenticeship-grants/apprenticeship-grants-intermediate/

Qualification grants

These fall into 2 sub-categories – long term, such as, degrees, HNC’s, HND’s and short-term which covers level 2 VQ’s and above.

The amount available really depends on the qualification being carried out. However, if you are looking at a longer-term qualification such as a HND or a degree you could be entitled to up to £1125 per year plus £1875 achievement award. Short-term qualifications are generally funded at £600 per achievement.

https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-funding/qualification-grants/

Short Duration courses

This is a course that is anything between 3 hours to 29 days. There are three tiers to short duration funding depend on the qualification and the duration of the course – tier 1 £30 tier 2 £70 & tier 3 £120.

https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-funding/short-course-grants/

Like with any grant scheme there is certain criteria that you must meet in order to be deemed eligible for this funding. Don’t worry though, we are here to help if you are a bit unsure, we know how confusing it can be.

CITB Skills and Training Fund

This funding can be applied for once every 12 months by CITB registered employers. The fund aims to provide assistance to small construction companies to develop a stronger skills base.

This is how it is broken down;

• 49 or less employees can receive up to £5000
• 50 to 74 employees can receive up to £7500
• 75 to 99 employees can receive up to £10,000

The application window is open between 31^st Jan and 28^th Feb.

Skills for Growth

The Skills Development Scotland run a programme known as Skills for Growth. This service is aimed at businesses with between 5 and 250 employees. The programme is designed to help you identify skills gaps within your organisation and figure out a way of closing these gaps.

https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/supporting-scotlands-employers/skills-for-growth/

All in all it was an extremely informative session and a worthwhile jaunt out of the office. The above is just a very small snippet of how it all works and what could be available to you, so for more details get in touch with a Training First advisor today. We are more than happy to talk you through it and help get you, your employees and your business moving in the right direction.