CITB NVQ Grants - FAQS

Everything you need to know about the CITB levy and accessing CITB grants for construction NVQ achievement.

Being able to access CITB grants could be a huge help for your construction business. However, you need to be paying a CITB levy in order to benefit from the CITB grants system. CITB grants could help you upskill your workers and develop the skills to take on more projects, grow your business, and earn more. 

If you enroll your workers onto a construction NVQ, you could receive money back on that investment – allowing you to receive funding for growing your business. Many of the learners and employers that we work with benefit from CITB grants.

CITB grants could make a huge difference to your business. Here are all the frequently asked questions we get about the CITB grants system, how you can access it, and where it can take your business or career.

CITB NVQ Grants - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CITB levy?

It’s a compulsory contribution made by employers that helps support a skilled workforce in the construction industry. The levy is collected by the CITB and used to promote training and development, standards and qualifications and careers. Levy contributions also play an important role in tackling skills shortages within construction. If you want to access the CITB grant, you will need to have paid the CITB levy.

Do I have to pay it? How much is it?

If you’re an employer and most of your work is done within the construction industry, you’re obliged to join the levy scheme. The amount you need to contribute depends on the size of your total wage bill. Rates currently stand at 0.35% of your PAYE wage bill, and 1.25% of your net Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) bill.

Small businesses are exempt or eligible for reduced rates. If your total wage bill is less than £120’000, you pay nothing. Between £120’000 and £400’000, you’ll receive a 50% reduction.

What is the CITB grants scheme?

Levy contributions are redistributed via the CITB grants scheme. CITB grants are paid to levy-registered employers for training their workforce and supporting workers with qualifications. CITB grants are paid out on a range of training schemes and qualifications including apprenticeships, NVQs and short courses. The more active you are in training your employees, the more benefit you’ll gain from the CITB grants scheme.

How do I know if I’m eligible for CITB grants?

If you’re already registered with them, you’re eligible for CITB grants. If you’re not registered, you’ll need to check if you’re required to join the levy scheme. See CITB contact details below.

Does the CITB distribute grants for NVQ achievement?

Yes, they do. NVQs come under the ‘short qualification grant’ category.

Which NVQs are eligible and how much is the CITB grant?

The standard rate for NVQ achievement is £600. You’ll receive this pay-out for every PAYE and CIS employee or subcontractor who achieves their NVQ.

All construction and plant NVQs delivered through the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) and Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) routes are eligible for CITB grant payments.

Some NVQ achievements are eligible for higher rate CITB grant payments. They are:

Selected Management NVQs (ÂŁ1500)

Selected Supervision NVQs (ÂŁ1250)

Rainscreen Cladding NVQs (ÂŁ1000)

Are CITB NVQ grants the same thing as government funding?

No, the CITB grants scheme is not the same as government funding. You can receive both funding and CITB grants. For example, even if an NVQ is funded by the government, CITB will still pay the grant on achievement.

How do I apply for an NVQ grant and how long does it take to get the money?

There’s an application form you’ll need to complete and submit to the CITB. You can find it on their website. CITB grants are paid directly into your bank account within 28 days.

How do I contact the CITB?

Every region in England, Wales and Scotland has its own designated CITB adviser. If you’re already signed up to the levy, you can contact your regional adviser for help and support. You can also reach the CITB through the contact details below.

0344 994 4455

levy.grant@citb.co.uk

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

Okay, I’m ready to get my employees enrolled on their NVQs. Can you help with this?

Of course, NVQs are what we do best. Find out more on our construction NVQ page, or send us a message and a member of our assessment team will get in touch.

Are you new to all of this? Here are some quickfire FAQs to help you understand everything about CITB grants, levies, and more:

CITB is the registered industry training board and sector skills council for the construction sector in England, Scotland, and Wales. They are responsible for the CITB grants scheme. They work with construction companies to help skills development through training and investment, and ensure the construction workforce is supported so it can remain highly-skilled and inclusive. They are sponsored by the Department of Education. CITB grants help construction companies develop their employees’ skills.

The CITB grants scheme aims to redistribute the contributions made through the CITB levy. CITB grants are awarded to employers who pay their levy for training their workforce and supporting workers with construction NVQs. CITB grants are paid out on a range of training schemes and qualifications including apprenticeships, NVQs and short courses. By investing in your workforce, you can get investment back through the CITB grant scheme.

The CITB levy applies to all employers ‘engaged in construction industry activities’. If construction activities take up more than half of your total employees’ time (including subcontractors), you will probably need to pay the levy. How much levy you pay is based on your total wage bill (the amount you pay your employees in a year.) If you want to access the CITB grants scheme, you will need to pay the CITB levy. 

The CITB Levy is used to support the construction industry to have a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce. To find out more about CITB grants and levies, visit the CITB website to see how much you will need to pay out.

The CSCS and CITB often work closely together, however, they are not the same organisation. CITB is an industry training board who are heavily involved with  training and skills development across the construction industry. CSCS are a certification scheme designed to ensure UK construction workers have the right skills to be able to perform their occupational role. They often work closely together – for example, to get certain CSCS cards, you will need to pass the CITB Health and Safety Test. 

For more information about CITB grants, levies and what they do for the construction industry, you can check out their website here. If you’re looking for more information about CSCS cards, our website has more information about CSCS cards and NVQs – otherwise, you can have a look on the CSCS website also.

CITB is involved in many parts of the construction industry – they help to develop skills and standards for work in the construction industry. The CITB Health and Safety Test is a test that proves that you can work to high health and safety standards on-site, and is often a requirement to get a CSCS card. 

CITB’s aims are to improve the education and skills of construction workers, and CITB grants, levies and tests are ways in which they can help the construction industry. Being involved with CITB through paying the levy can allow you to access CITB grants and much more. CITB are helping the construction industry grow and develop – keep up with what they’re doing on their website. 

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