Firms that have developed projects to provide construction workers with skills and training are being urged to apply for funding from CITB.

CITB will be accepting applications for the next Flexible Funding opportunity from 19 April, which offers funding for construction skills and training projects that last up to 18 months and are not already supported by other CITB funding.

The Fund focuses on the training areas that have been identified as priorities for the industry following CITB’s extensive consultation with employers in 2015.

The aim is to target funds to help build a well-skilled workforce and support the industry for the long term.

Since September 2015, CITB has invested over £1.7M in projects under the Flexible Fund.

A total of 45 projects have successfully acquired funding via the Skills and Training fund at a total value of £185,874, with an 88% success rate for firms who apply.

Geeta Nathan, Head of Economic Analysis and Research at CITB comments: “We want as many construction firms and Federations to make an application. We updated our funding system last year, taking on board levy payers’ suggestions about how to simplify the process and make it more streamlined.

“With the new and improved system and £10 million in Flexible Funding to be allocated this year, there’s never been a better time to apply.”

The available Flexible Funding options are:

1. Skills and training funding

• Open to Levy registered SMEs with fewer than 50 direct employees.
• Projects should last no longer than 18 months.
• CITB will provide funding for activities up to a maximum of £5,000. You can also use the funding to part fund your activities.

2. Innovation, pilots and prototypes funding

• Supports innovative skills and training projects, pilots and prototype initiatives.
• Open to levy-registered construction employers, construction federations, construction trade unions, CITB-funded training groups, consortia that have a minimum of three Levy registered employers that are separate legal entities.
• Projects should last no longer than 18 months.
• £5,000 to £500,000 for the 2016 funding year (January to December 2016).
• The amount available depends on the type of applicant.
• CITB will fund up to 70% of the total project cost.

3. Enhanced incentives funding

• Supports initiatives that encourage staff to complete training and courses. 
• Open to collectives of eligible levy-registered employers, construction federations, construction training groups, construction trade unions.
• Projects should last no longer than 18 months.
• £5,000 to £500,000. CITB will fund up to 70% of the total project cost.