Grant for Support for Industry Accreditation Transition Until March 2026
CITB has announced an extension to the funding deadline to support the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) transition. Industry Accreditation (IA) cardholders now have an extra year of funding to help them move to recognised qualifications. This extension will allow industry professionals more time to meet the necessary requirements for accreditation. The grant will cover costs associated with training and assessment needed for the transition.
What Does This Mean?
To meet the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) recommendations, all industry card schemes must operate under nationally recognised qualifications. This means IA cardholders will need new qualifications to continue working on-site.
But don’t worry—you don’t have to go back to college! Enhanced grants are available for CITB-registered employers until 31 March 2026 to help workers achieve specific qualifications. This means your employer can support you in getting the qualification needed to stay on-site.
What Are the Grant Amounts?
The grant amount depends on the qualification:
- £1,250 for NVQ Diplomas/SVQs
- £1,500 for specific management NVQ diplomas/SVQs
These grants have been available since 1 April 2023. CITB offers flexible assessment options, including on-site assessments and remote assessments. Once completed, employers can claim the grant for their employees who qualify.
Site Access During the Interim Period
Temporary, non-renewable red CSCS cards are available for workers awaiting qualification. This ensures you won’t lose site access while completing the process. Existing qualifications and memberships might also make you eligible for other CSCS cards.
If you don’t complete the transition and gain a qualification by 31 December 2024, your IA card will expire, and you won’t be able to work.
Get Qualified Before It’s Too Late
March 2026 might feel far away, but the deadline will come quickly. Make sure you transition in time to avoid losing money and work opportunities. Don’t let the delay catch you off guard—start your qualification today! Don't wait until the last minute to get qualified, as the deadline of March 2026 will approach faster than you think. Take action now to avoid any disruptions to your work and income. Start the qualification process today to ensure you meet the deadline and maintain your eligibility for work opportunities.