The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has published its grant figures for the 2025-26 financial year, revealing a total investment of £120 million. This funding includes £68 million specifically dedicated to apprenticeship grants, aimed at fostering a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce across the sector.

During the past financial year, the funding provided critical support to 30,837 apprentices. Additionally, these apprenticeship grants assisted 10,410 construction firms, with small and micro enterprises making up the vast majority at 9,258 of the total supported.

Further financial assistance was distributed through the CITB Travel to Train grant, which helps construction employers across Scotland, England, and Wales cover travel and accommodation costs for apprentices who must travel for block-release training. Over the year, £8.2 million was allocated through this scheme, assisting 3,794 learners and 1,217 employers.

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The CITB also provided £21.7 million through its qualification grants, which assist registered construction companies with the costs of training their wider workforce beyond apprenticeships. Data spanning April 2025 to March 2026 shows that 22,690 learners and 3,088 employers benefited from this funding, with 2,185 of those businesses classified as small and micro firms.

According to the CITB's Construction Workforce Outlook (CWO), the sector's output is projected to grow by an average of 2.1% annually through to 2029. The report highlights that an average of 47,000 additional construction workers will be needed each year to satisfy this demand, underscoring the ongoing importance of grant funding in establishing a sustainable workforce.

Deb Madden, Executive Director, Customer Engagement and Operations, said: "We're committed to ensuring the construction industry remains at the forefront of skills development, and we're so pleased to have been able to support so many employers to take on new people and help train their employees.

"Supporting employers to recruit and retain apprentices is critical to building the skilled workforce the industry needs. Without sustained recruitment and training, labour shortages risk project delays and increased costs, and we're pleased to be playing a part in providing the support employers and learners need to help build the workforce of tomorrow, today."

Further details regarding available grants and funding options can be accessed via the official website at www.citb.co.uk/funding-support