CITB Industry Accreditation Grants Extended

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has recently announced a one-year extension of enhanced funding to assist Industry Accreditation (IA) cardholders in transitioning to recognised qualifications. 

What’s Changing for Industry Accreditation Cardholders?

Grandfather rights, also known as Industry Accreditation (IA), are being removed from CSCS. This means all IA cards issued from 1st January 2020 will expire on 31st December 2024, and cannot be renewed using IA. This aligns with the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) recommendations, which mandate that all industry card schemes operate with nationally recognised qualifications for all occupations. 

What Does This Mean for IA Cardholders?

A common misconception is that you need to attend college to get your new qualification, but you don’t! With flexible assessment options available, including workplace visits and remote evidence collection, 3B Training can guide you through this process with minimal disruption to your work. 

Extended CITB Industry Accreditation Grants to Ease the Transition

These grants are available for achievements starting from 1st April 2023. Employers can claim these grants to offset the costs of upskilling their workforce, as long as the qualifications are completed by 31st March 2026 to be eligible for the enhanced funding rate. 

Temporary Solutions to Keep You Working

CSCS is offering temporary, non-renewable red cards to workers who are completing their qualifications. This initiative ensures that site access is not interrupted during this transition period. Individuals who hold existing qualifications or memberships might qualify for different types of CSCS cards. 

What Happens If You Miss the Industry Accreditation Deadline?

It’s important to be aware that any IA cards that aren’t transitioned to recognised qualifications by 31st December 2024 will expire and will no longer be valid. 3B Training strongly recommends starting the process as early as possible to avoid any issues. 

CITB & CSCS Speak Out

Adrian Beckingham, Strategy and Policy Director at CITB, said:

“We are committed to making sure the construction skills system is efficient and effective, which is why we are pleased to be extending the grant and helping to reduce the financial burden on individuals and employers to get qualified in time.

With the support and options available, there’s no reason for anyone to not be able to get on site to work while transitioning to recognised qualifications.

The temporary enhanced grant is just one way in which we are continuing to encourage more people to get qualified for leadership and supervisory positions and fill crucial skills gaps in construction.”

Garry Mortimer, Executive Director of Operations at CSCS, added:

“CSCS welcomes the grant being extended by CITB for those affected by the withdrawal of Industry Accreditation. In addition to the flexible assessment options available, grant support is a key pillar of the support package available, which has helped reduce the number of active IA cards in circulation from 60,000 to approximately 16,000.

Since the original package of support was announced, many IA cardholders have found it a straightforward process to replace their cards using an existing qualification or professional membership or by evidencing their skillsets to an assessor.

CSCS remains committed to playing its part in delivering a fully trained and qualified workforce and the removal of cards issued under IA represents another significant step in achieving this goal. We will continue to support the remainder of those affected by the withdrawal of IA, including those on temporary cards while working through qualifications, up until the December 31st deadline and beyond.”

How 3B Training Can Help

At 3B Training, we offer a range of NVQs that allow learners to gain a relevant qualification and CSCS card. Contact us to enrol learners on an NVQ or for advice on CITB grants. You can reach us via our enquiry form or call 0330 912 0650.