CITB have partnered with Exeter College to launch the ‘CITB Apprenticeship Grants Guide’, a new resource to highlight the financial support packages available to businesses that employ Apprentices in the construction sector.

CITB, the construction industry training board for England, Scotland and Wales, offers several grants and training funds for businesses who employ apprentices. These include an attendance grant of up to £2500 a year for those that employ a Level 2 or higher apprentice in an eligible Apprenticeship standard, an achievement grant of up to £3500 that can be claimed when an apprentice achieves their End Point Assessment, a Skills and Training fund and a travel fund.

Despite this, uptake of grants has not kept pace with growing apprentice numbers. Due to time constraints, many employers struggle to understand the benefits and support available to them if they take on an apprentice.

To tackle this, CITB and Exeter College have joined forces to create a one-stop shop funding guide. The ‘CITB Apprenticeship Grants Guide’ is a simple and easy-to-read resource which signposts employers directly to grant claim pages, reducing time spent away from the day job.

CITB Customer Engagement Advisor, Darren Murrish said;  

“Apprenticeships are the bedrock of the construction industry. Apprenticeships are preparing the next generation of construction workers and represent an exciting option for both apprentice and employer. This is why CITB offers grants to CITB registered businesses who take on apprentices”.

“CITB is really pleased to be working with Exeter College to make sure construction employers get the help they need with recruiting and keeping apprentices in construction”.

Darren Murrish

Not only will this new resource help businesses with apprentices access financial support, it will also highlight a major benefit of taking on an apprentice and encourage more employers across the South West to invest in young and emerging talent.    

 Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Future Skills at Exeter College said;  

‘We are the forefront of Apprenticeships in the South West and have seen record growth in the sector in the last 12 months. The key to high quality Apprenticeships is support from our outstanding employers and those that invest in young people, creating a win-win situation for their business and their young person in terms of skills acquisition and value. This unique partnership brings together Exeter College and CITB to further enhance our customer support and unlock significant funding that will inevitably benefit both employers and apprentices.’   

Mike added,   

‘It was brilliant to break new ground with CITB and we look forward to working with them in new and exciting projects.’  

Click here to download the ‘CITB Apprenticeship Grants Guide’

With the construction industry booming and sustainable modern methods of construction paving the way to meet net zero targets, there has never been a better time for businesses to invest in Apprenticeships. Exeter College’s expert Apprenticeship team can guide businesses through the recruitment process and connect them with a talent pool of aspiring apprentices. To learn more about Exeter College Apprenticeships and access support, email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.