Industry

UK Training Grants Explained

Find out more about how UK training grants can fund your workforce development in 2026.

Investing in employee training is one of the most effective ways to improve workplace safety, productivity, and staff retention—but cost can often be a barrier. The good news is that a wide range of UK training grants and funding schemes are available to help businesses develop skilled, compliant, and confident teams.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about training grants in the UK, including what’s available, who’s eligible, and how to apply.

What Are UK Training Grants?

Training grants are financial contributions provided by the government or industry bodies to help employers cover the cost of staff training and development.

These grants are designed to:

Support workforce development
Improve health and safety standards
Address skills shortages across industries
Help businesses remain compliant with UK regulations

For many organisations—especially SMEs—grants make it far more affordable to invest in accredited training courses.

Types of Training Grants Available in the UK

1. CITB Grants (Construction Industry Training Board)

If you’re in construction, CITB funding is one of the most valuable resources available.

Key benefits:

Grants for short courses (e.g. Health & Safety, First Aid, Plant Training) - funded through the Employer Network
Funding for longer qualifications and apprenticeships
Support for businesses registered with CITB

Popular funded courses include:

SMSTS & SSSTS
Plant operator training
Health and safety qualifications

Ideal for construction companies looking to stay compliant and upskill their workforce.

2. Apprenticeship Levy

The Apprenticeship Levy applies to UK employers with an annual payroll over £3 million—but smaller businesses can still benefit.

How it works:

Large employers contribute to the levy and can use funds for apprenticeship training
SMEs can receive up to 95% government funding for apprenticeship programmes

Best for:

Long-term workforce development
Hiring and training new staff
Building skilled teams from the ground up

3. Local Authority & Regional Funding

Many local councils and regional organisations across the UK offer business training grants to support economic growth.

These may include:

SME workforce development funding
Skills bootcamps
Sector-specific training support

Funding availability varies by region, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your local area.

4. Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)

These programmes are designed to help people gain the skills needed for specific industries, while supporting employers with recruitment and training.

Benefits include:

Pre-employment training
Work placements
Potential wage or training cost support

What Can Training Grants Be Used For?

Most UK training grants can be used to fund a wide range of workplace training courses, including:

Health and Safety Training
First Aid Training
Construction and Plant Training
Manual Handling
Fire Safety Awareness
Leadership and Management Courses

This makes it easier for businesses to meet their legal obligations while improving team capability.

Who Is Eligible for Training Grants?

Eligibility depends on the scheme, but most grants are available to:

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)
Construction companies (via CITB)
Employers investing in apprenticeships
Businesses looking to upskill existing staff

Some funding is also available for individuals looking to improve their employability.

How to Apply for UK Training Grants

The application process varies depending on the funding source, but generally involves:

Identifying the right grant for your business
Checking eligibility criteria
Registering with the relevant organisation (e.g. CITB)
Booking an accredited training course
Submitting a claim or application

Working with an experienced training provider can make this process much easier.

Why Invest in Staff Training?

Even with funding available, some businesses hesitate—but the return on investment is clear:

✔️ Improved workplace safety and compliance
✔️ Reduced accidents and incidents
✔️ Increased productivity and efficiency
✔️ Better staff retention and morale
✔️ Stronger reputation and credibility

Training isn’t just a requirement—it’s a strategic investment in your business.

How Champion Training Solutions Can Help

At Champion Training Solutions, we deliver a wide range of fully accredited training courses across the South West, including:

First Aid Training
Health & Safety Courses
Construction & Plant Training
Workplace Compliance Training

We can also offer our valuable expertise to support businesses in understanding and accessing available training grants, helping you maximise funding opportunities and reduce costs.