Understanding the CITB Levy & Grant Scheme: A Guide for Construction Employers

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Levy and Grant Scheme is designed to help construction employers invest in training and development. If you’re in the construction industry and want to support your workforce with quality training, while reducing the cost, understanding the CITB Levy is essential.

In this blog, we’ll explain what the CITB Levy is, who needs to register, how to apply, and how you can benefit from available grants when booking training courses, such as those offered by Safety for Business.

What is the CITB Levy?

The CITB Levy is a statutory payment made by construction employers to help fund industry training. In return, registered employers can claim grants for eligible training courses to upskill their workforce.

It’s part of CITB’s mission to ensure a skilled, competent, and competitive construction workforce across the UK.

Who Should Register for the CITB Levy?

You should register for the CITB Levy if:

• You are an employer in the construction industry
• You have employees, subcontractors, or apprentices working for you
• Your business engages in construction operations as defined by CITB

Even if you don’t meet the earnings threshold to pay the Levy, registering may still make you eligible for CITB grants, which can significantly reduce training costs.

How to Apply for a CITB Levy Number?

Applying for a CITB Levy number is straightforward:

1. Visit the CITB website: Go to www.citb.co.uk
2. Register as an employer: Use the ‘Register as an employer’ form or contact CITB customer support.
3. Submit company details: Provide your business name, nature of work, number of employees, and other basic information.
4. Receive your Levy number: Once approved, you will be assigned a unique CITB Levy number.

This number will be required when booking eligible training courses to access grant funding.

You can also click here to be taken directly to the CITB Levy Number Application.

What Grants are Available?

CITB provides a variety of grants under its Grants Scheme, including:

• Short course grants – for standard training courses such as health & safety and site supervision.
• Qualification grants – for approved NVQs and other accredited qualifications.
• Apprenticeship grants – support for employers hiring and training apprentices.

Check with your training provider to see if your chosen course is eligible. Booking with Safety for Business your Levy Number will be accepted, and we provide training for the short courses, SMSTS, SSSTS, Health and Safety along with their refresher courses.

Using Your CITB Levy Number with Safety For Business

If you have a CITB Levy number, you may be eligible to claim grant funding when booking qualifying courses through Safety for Business. To take advantage:

• Make sure your Levy number is active
• Provide your Levy number on the booking form
• Make sure Safety for Business has your Levy Number before the start of your course
• Confirm with our team whether the course qualifies for grant support

View all our CITB course options here | Call us today | Or email to request a course schedule or quote

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Sole Traders or Self-Employed Workers get a CITB Levy Number?

Yes, sole traders and self-employed workers in the construction industry can register for a CITB Levy number, even if they don’t employ anyone else.

If you work on construction operations and are classed as an employer (even if just for subcontractors or occasional help), you can register with CITB. While you may not be required to pay the Levy (depending on your annual wage bill), registration can still allow you to access training grants, a valuable benefit for self-employed professionals looking to upskill.