The 2026 CITB funding changes are set to impact how demolition businesses train their workforce. With rising overheads and capped funding, employers are asking:

How can we continue to develop skilled employees without breaking the budget?

What are the CITB funding changes in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, CITB updated Employer Network funding and introduced the Large Employer Fund:

Employer Size Employer Networks Cap 26/27 Average Claim 25/26
Micro (1 – 9 Employees) £1,500 £1,282
Small (10 – 49 Employees) £2,000 £2,180
Medium (50 – 249 Employees) £4,500 £5,195

For large employers, an interim fund of £18,000 is available to cover any in-scope training while CITB finalises the next phase of support.

These caps mean that small and medium businesses may only be able to train a handful of employees for high-level roles like CCDO Manager or Chargehand before hitting their funding limit.

 

Rising costs and the skills gap

With overheads increasing, many employers fear the skills gap could widen. Limited funding may force cutbacks on essential training, leaving fewer competent operatives to support safe, efficient operations.

 

How NDTG membership can help

Businesses can reduce training costs by becoming an NDTG member. Membership lowers course fees for employees especially once CITB funding caps are reached.

For example, 49 employees completing a £105 Asbestos Awareness course:

  • Non-member out-of-pocket: £52.50 per employee
  • Member out-of-pocket: £37.50 per employee
  • Total savings across the workforce: £735

That’s enough to fund another course through CITB, such as the CCDO Demolition Labourer, effectively covering the cost of membership and letting you continue training at a discount.

Membership is therefore a strategic way to manage training budgets, ensuring workforce development continues despite tighter funding.

 

Planning your training strategy

To make the most of funding and membership:

  • Prioritise courses for key roles first.
  • Plan multiple training cycles to maximise savings.
  • Consider membership early to benefit from reduced course fees throughout the year.

By combining funding, careful planning, and NDTG membership, demolition businesses can train employees effectively, even amid rising costs, keeping their teams skilled and the sector strong.