Funding & Payment Options

There are two ways to fund construction training with CTG: CITB grants for registered employers, and straightforward fixed pricing with no VAT on any NVQ. This page explains exactly what you can claim and how it works in 2026.

CITB grants in 2026 — what changed and what you can claim

CITB overhauled its Grants Scheme on 8 January 2026. The headline for anyone taking an NVQ: qualification grants are now a single flat rate.

£600 achievement grant per NVQ — CITB-registered employers can claim a £600 grant for every NVQ completed at Levels 2–6 (achievement dated on or after 8 January 2026). One flat rate applies whether it’s a Level 2 trade NVQ or a Level 6 site management diploma. Level 7 qualifications are no longer grant-supported under the 2026 rules.

What your NVQ really costs with the grant

CTG’s NVQ prices are fixed by level, with no VAT. For an eligible CITB-registered employer, the £600 achievement grant brings the net cost down to:

NVQ level	CTG price (no VAT)	CITB grant	Net cost to eligible employers
Level 2	£750	£600	£150
Level 3	£950	£600	£350
Level 4	£1,200	£600	£600
Level 5	£1,350	£600	£750
Level 6	£1,300	£600	£900
Level 7	£1,400	Not grant-supported	£1,400

Grants are paid by CITB directly to the eligible employer (usually within 4–6 weeks of an approved claim), are subject to CITB’s eligibility rules and approval, and are not guaranteed by CTG. Rules current as of August 2026 — check CITB’s grants pages for the latest position.

Who can claim CITB grants?

Grants go to employers registered with CITB — of any size, whether or not you pay the levy — provided your Levy Returns are up to date. The grant is claimed by the employer, not the individual learner. If you’re a sole trader registered with CITB, you can claim for yourself; if you’re paying for your own NVQ and there’s no CITB-registered employer involved, the grant route doesn’t apply.

Plant training grants (NPORS courses)

Plant operations is one of the few areas where CITB still funds short courses after the 2026 changes. Training that meets the CITB plant standards and leads to a card carrying the CSCS logo attracts tiered grants, depending on the machine category:

Machine tier	Novice operator	Experienced operator
Tier 1	£550	£250
Tier 2 (e.g. telehandler, dump truck)	£630	£300
Tier 3 (e.g. larger excavators)	£880	£470

Give your training provider your CITB registration number when booking — the provider applies for the grant on your behalf. Tell us which machines and how many operators, and we’ll confirm what your booking qualifies for: 01244 722697.

Short courses and health & safety training

From 8 January 2026 most other short courses moved out of the Grants Scheme into CITB Employer Networks, which can match-fund 50% of eligible course costs (health & safety courses are supported at around 30% of the average market rate). Your local Employer Network approves requests, so speak to them — or to us — before booking.

Paying for your course

Every CTG NVQ is a simple fixed price with no VAT — the price on the course page is the price, and we never run “discounts”. Pay in full by bank transfer or card when you book, or ask us to invoice your employer.

Frequently asked questions

Is my NVQ really only £150 with the CITB grant?

If you’re an eligible CITB-registered employer putting a worker through a Level 2 NVQ at £750, and CITB approves your £600 achievement grant claim, your net spend is £150. The grant is paid to you by CITB after the qualification is achieved — you pay CTG the course fee and claim the grant back.

Can I claim a CITB grant if I’m self-employed?

Only if you’re registered with CITB as an employer (sole traders can be). If not, you simply pay the fixed price directly.

Does the £600 grant apply to Level 7?

No. Under the January 2026 rules, Level 7 qualifications are no longer grant-supported. Levels 2–6 all attract the flat £600 achievement grant.

Do NPORS courses qualify for CITB grants?

Plant training that meets CITB’s plant standards and leads to a CSCS-logo card attracts the tiered plant grants above. Eligibility depends on the machine category, your operators’ experience and your CITB registration — call us with the details and we’ll confirm before you book.

How quickly are grants paid?

CITB says approved grant claims are usually paid within four to six weeks, by bank transfer, directly to the employer.

Ask us what your training will really cost

Call 01244 722697 or WhatsApp 07300 544412 — tell us who’s training and we’ll set out the grant position and the best way to pay.