CITB Levy & NVQ Grant Cuts December 2025 — What Construction Employers & Learners at CNVQS Must Know
Why December 2025 Is a Turning Point for NVQ Funding
From 31 December 2025, CITB’s enhanced grant rates for Management and Supervision NVQs will be withdrawn. This change has big implications for construction companies, training providers, and individuals pursuing NVQs through CNVQS.
This change impacts not only construction companies and training providers but also individuals pursuing NVQs, which are critical for career advancement in the industry.
In this post, you’ll learn what’s changing with the CITB levy and grant scheme, how these changes affect your finances, and what steps to take to benefit before the deadline — including links to CNVQS qualification pages so you can act now.
💡 Understanding the CITB Levy & Grant Framework
The CITB levy is a statutory contribution by UK construction employers that funds industry training, including NVQs, apprenticeships, and short courses.
Under the 2025 Levy Order, rates remain:
- 0.35% on payroll (employees)
- 1.25% on net paid CIS subcontractors
Small employers may be exempt if their wage bill is under £150,000, or receive 50% reduction if between £150,000 and £499,999. Use CITB’s Levy Calculator to check your liability.
The levy finances grant schemes, including support for NVQs, which help develop skills across the industry.
Investing in your NVQ qualifications is essential for staying competitive in the construction industry.
📉 What Changes from December 2025?
🔹 Grant Reductions for Supervision & Management NVQs
Until 31 December 2025, CNVQS learners may access enhanced grant rates under CITB’s transitional support:
-
Supervisory NVQs (Levels 3 / 4): £1,250
-
Management NVQs (Levels 6 / 7): £1,500
From 1 January 2026 onward, these grants will revert to £600 per achievement — a significant reduction.
Note: The enhanced rate is valid only for the first qualification of each type (first supervision, first management) for each individual, and only if achievement and grant claim happen by 31 December 2025.
🔹 Other Funding Scheme Changes
- The Skills & Training Fund (STF) closes to new applications 30 September 2025.
- CITB’s new Employer Network funding model, launching later in 2025, does not include NVQs initially.
- Grant support for “Award-level” short qualifications will fall from £600 to £240.
These changes mean NVQs will become harder to fund, making this window of enhanced support critical.
🧱 Impact for Employers & Training Providers
✅ Short-Term Strategy (to December 2025)
- Prioritise registrations now so learners can complete by year-end.
- Align training schedules to ensure certificate achievement and grant submissions before 31 December.
- Monitor progress tightly to avoid delays that disqualify the enhanced grant.
⚠️ Post-December Reality
- Training providers and employers will see reduced grant income, tightening margins.
- More training cost burden shifts to employers or learners.
- Reliance on internal budgets or other funding routes will grow.
👷♂️ What This Means for CNVQS Learners
If you register your NVQ through CNVQS before 31 December 2025, you may still access the enhanced grant — provided you complete and claim by the deadline.
Completing your NVQ not only meets industry standards but also enhances your career opportunities significantly.
Completing your NVQ is essential to meet industry standards and enhance your professional skills.
Key points for learners:
- Enhanced grants apply to your first NVQ at supervision or management level.
- You must finish (assessment, certification) and have the grant claim processed by end of 2025.
- Lower-level trade NVQs (e.g. Level 2) remain unaffected and continue at standard grant rates.
If you aren’t sure which qualification is right for you, see our qualification pages below.
🧾 CNVQS NVQ Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision
- NVQ Level 4 Construction / Site Supervision
- NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management
- NVQ Level 7 Senior Construction Management
🕒 Urgent: Timeline & Action Steps
To make the most of current funding levels:
- Register your NVQ with CNVQS before December 2025.
- Ensure you complete (assessment, certification) by 31 December 2025.
- Submit your CITB grant claim in time.
Delays can disqualify you from the enhanced rates — so plan ahead.
📢 Conclusion
The upcoming changes to the CITB levy and grant system mark a funding reset for NVQs in the construction sector. Enhanced grants for higher-level qualifications end on 31 December 2025. After that, support returns to a standard, lower rate.
For both employers/training providers and learners, now is the moment to act — register, complete, and claim before the deadline.
Visit CNVQS today to explore our qualifications and secure your place under the existing funding model: cnvqs.co.uk.
