Stats pulled together by the industry-funded training body and released in December, showed it had supported nearly 12,500 businesses with various training grants. Just between April and November last year, CITB paid out £54.6 million, with more than half going to small or micro businesses

Apprenticeships continue to be the highest area of grant funding, with over £37 million paid out since April 2022.

CITB’s Construction Skills Network report, published in 2022 highlighted the size of the industry’s skills problem. According to the report, 50,000 skilled workers are needed each year, to meet market demand by 2026.

To address the issue, the CITB has attempted to streamline the grant application process, with the aim of supporting more firms through the Grant Scheme in the new year. 

As well as the old Excel-based application format, a simplified, one page, PDF application form is now available on its website. 

“The impact the Grant Scheme has been able to provide in just the last six months is fantastic. Looking at the comparison to last year’s grant spend shows just how valuable the funding is to employers,” said CITB chief executive, Tim Balcon.

“The scheme is in place for eligible employers who are registered with CITB, and we hope that the new application approach will encourage even more people to come forward and benefit from the funding,” he added.