KNOWLEDGE HUB
CITB Employer Networks
Run by CITB, the Employer Networks simplify the way you access funding for construction training courses and qualifications, both through providing better information to employers at a local level, and by streamlining the process to remove the need for grant application paperwork.
OVERVIEW
How do the Employer Networks differ from CITB grants?
With CITB grants, you have to do all the leg work yourself as an employer – from figuring out what you need, who to get it from, how to pay for it and how to claim. CITB grants are also claimed on completion of the qualification – which, particularly for NVQs which take longer than short courses – can disrupt your cashflow.
When you sign up to a CITB Employer Network, you can simply book training by emailing your local engagement advisor and letting them know that you’d like to use JRS Training as your nominated ATO (Approved Training Provider).
The best part? CITB will pay 70% of the cost up front.
CITB EMPLOYER NETWORKS
I’ve never heard of the Employer Networks. Is it too good to be true?
When an organisation comes out with something that streamlines a headache-inducing process as much as the CITB Employer Networks, it can be hard to believe. But if you haven’t heard of this initiative, it’s probably because it was only rolled out across the UK in 2024.
We’ve been working with the EN since the beginning
- At JRS Training, we were lucky enough to be part of the pilot region in Dorset in 2022. The pilot was a roaring success, supporting over 1000 employers to access funding.
- We are therefore well acquainted with the process, and have built strong relationships with engagement advisors across the south.
- Through 2024, CITB began rolling out the Employer Networks scheme countrywide, and there are now over 30 regions across England, Scotland and Wales.
The EN has been designed to fix the issues with other schemes
- Whilst schemes like CITB grants do provide funding, they don’t offer the logistical support that the EN does
- Through the EN, CITB will book the training on your behalf, and they’ll pay us as your training provider 70% of the cost of the course up front
- This means you’ll only need to pay 30%, and you won’t need to complete complex paperwork each time!
CITB Employer Networks
Who can become part of a CITB Employer Network?
As long as you are registered with CITB, up to date with your levy returns, and have an Employer Network in your area, you can access this service. There are no extra costs involved with joining, and you can join even if you’re already part of a local construction training group.
Though we mainly work with ENs in the south of England at JRS Training, we can support companies based nationally to access their local CITB Employer Network.
To find out whether you have an EN in your area, view the full list on CITB’s website or get in touch with us.
CITB Employer Networks
Your next steps
To get the ball rolling, let us know you’re interested in getting involved in your local CITB Employer Network, and we’ll do the rest. We’ll need to know what sort of training you’re looking for, as well as your location or the location of your head office.
The beauty of the ENs is that even if you don’t have a clue what you need or how to get it, both us as a training provider and your CITB engagement advisor are here to support. The world of construction training can be daunting, especially with changing laws and requirements, which is why we’re here to help.
Find out if you’re eligible for a CITB grant payment, plus discover our range of grant-eligible courses including short courses, plant NVQs and construction management NVQs.
Find out if you’re eligible for a CITB grant payment, plus discover our range of grant-eligible courses including short courses, plant NVQs and construction management NVQs.
Browse our full list of courses developed by the CITB to support the construction industry with key skills and knowledge including safety, supervision, and management.