The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced significant changes to how employers can access training grants, with new rules taking effect from the end of September.

CITB claims the changes are to "simplify" the system, but some businesses may lose out on funding.

The Skills & Training (S&T) Fund will close on Tuesday, 30 September, with funding moving to Employer Networks (ENs). Any new S&T applications submitted in September will only be paid once training is completed, rather than upfront.

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In addition, the higher grant rate to support workers moving off Industry Accreditation cards will end on Wednesday, 31 December, with grants returning to £600. From this September, grant funding for short "Award" level qualifications will be reduced from £600 to £240.

A new online grant portal will be launched on Wednesday, 24 September, to streamline the application process.

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has stated it is raising concerns with senior CITB staff, noting that the closure of the S&T Fund will impact many of its members. The NFRC is seeking clarification on the lack of proper notice about the changes.