CITB Funding Changes 2026: What It Means for First Aid Training

By Karen Fantarrow

Posted on: 1st April 2026

Help! First Aid Training is a registered CITB Training Organisation.

At the end of 2025, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) announced significant changes to how training is funded from 2026 onwards.

In this guide, we explain what’s changed, what it means for first aid training, and which courses may still be eligible for funding.

Who are CITB?

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) supports the construction industry by helping employers develop their workforce through training and funding.

Traditionally, CITB offered grants to registered employers to help cover the cost of a wide range of training courses, including first aid.

What’s Changed in 2026?

From January 2026, CITB introduced major changes to its funding structure.

Previously, CITB-registered employers could claim grants towards the cost of first aid training courses such as:

These courses are no longer eligible for CITB grant funding.

This means that, while first aid training remains a legal and essential requirement for most workplaces, it must now typically be funded directly by the employer.

What Training May Still Be Eligible for CITB Funding?

Although standard first aid training is no longer funded, some health and safety courses may still be eligible for partial funding through CITB’s Employer Network model.

At Help First Aid Training, the following courses may be eligible, subject to CITB approval and local availability:

Funding levels can vary, but in many cases, employers may receive up to 50% contribution towards the cost of eligible training.

Please note: eligibility depends on your CITB Employer Network and specific course approval.

How Do Companies Access CITB Funding?

To access available funding, employers must go through the CITB Employer Network.

Here’s how to do it:

Speak to your local CITB adviser
Confirm your eligibility as a CITB-registered employer
Check which courses are approved for funding in your area
Book training through an approved provider.

If you’re unsure who your CITB contact is, you can find more information via the official CITB website.

How Help First Aid Training Can Support You

Looking for first aid training in County Durham?

As a CITB-registered training provider, Help! First Aid Training continues to support construction companies with both funded and non-funded high-quality, practical training options.

Open courses at our training centre in Shildon, County Durham
On-site training for businesses, schools, colleges, nurseries, and organisations across the North-East – please contact us for a quote
Our experienced trainers make sessions engaging, informative and enjoyable.

We cover the whole of the North-East; Bishop Auckland to Barnard Castle, Crook to Catterick, Peterlee to Pelton, Stanley to Spennymoor and everywhere in between.

Get in touch

About the Author

Admin staff at Help! First Aid Training.