Frequently Asked Questions
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It’s a compulsory contribution made by employers that helps support a skilled workforce in the construction industry. The levy is collected by the CITB and used to promote training and development, standards and qualifications and careers. Levy contributions also play an important role in tackling skills shortages within construction. If you want to access the CITB grant, you will need to have paid the CITB levy.
If you’re an employer and most of your work is done within the construction industry, you’re obliged to join the levy scheme. The amount you need to contribute depends on the size of your total wage bill. Rates currently stand at 0.35% of your PAYE wage bill, and 1.25% of your net Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) bill.
Small businesses are exempt or eligible for reduced rates. If your total wage bill is less than £120,000, you pay nothing. Between £120,000 and £400,000, you’ll receive a 50% reduction.
Levy contributions are redistributed via the CITB grants scheme. CITB grants are paid to levy-registered employers for training their workforce and supporting workers with qualifications. CITB grants are paid out on a range of training schemes and qualifications including apprenticeships, NVQs and short courses. The more active you are in training your employees, the more benefit you’ll gain from the CITB grants scheme.
If you’re already registered with them, you’re eligible for CITB grants. If you’re not registered, you’ll need to check if you’re required to join the levy scheme. See CITB contact details below.
Yes, they do. NVQs come under the ‘short qualification grant’ category.
The standard rate for NVQ achievement is £600. You’ll receive this pay-out for every PAYE and CIS employee or subcontractor who achieves their NVQ.
All construction and plant NVQs delivered through the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) and Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) routes are eligible for CITB grant payments.
Some NVQ achievements are eligible for higher rate CITB grant payments. They are:
Selected Supervision NVQs (£1250)
Selected Management NVQs (£1500)
No, the CITB grants scheme is not the same as government funding. You can receive both funding and CITB grants. For example, even if an NVQ is funded by the government, CITB will still pay the grant on achievement.
There’s an application form you’ll need to complete and submit to the CITB. You can find it on their website. CITB grants are paid directly into your bank account within 28 days.
Every region in England, Wales and Scotland has its own designated CITB adviser. If you’re already signed up to the levy, you can contact your regional adviser for help and support. You can also reach the CITB through the contact details below.
0344 994 4455