Can You Get Funding for NVQ or CSCS Training? Your Options Explained

There are several ways to reduce or cover the cost of an NVQ or the training that leads to a CSCS card. Which one applies to you depends mainly on whether you're employed, self-employed, or between roles, and how old you are.

CITB grants (for CITB-registered, levy-compliant employers)

Employers who are registered with CITB and up to date with their levy can claim grants towards NVQ achievement through CITB's Employer Network route, where approved networks pay towards training costs when it's booked with an approved provider. As of 2026, the standard CITB achievement grant for an NVQ is £600 per learner, with a lower £240 rate for Award-level qualifications. If your employer is CITB-registered, it's worth asking whether they're claiming this on your behalf.

Advanced Learner Loan

Adult learners (typically 19 and over) studying a Level 3 or higher qualification, including many NVQs, may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover course fees. Unlike a grant, this is a loan — you repay it once your income passes a threshold, similar to a student loan — but it means you're not paying course fees upfront.

Adult Education Budget (AEB) funding

Some Level 2 NVQs in priority trade skills areas are fully or partly funded through the government's Adult Education Budget for eligible adult learners, depending on your circumstances (such as your existing qualifications and employment status). Eligibility rules can be specific, so it's worth checking your circumstances with a training provider directly.

Employer sponsorship

Many employers will sponsor an employee's NVQ, either paying fees directly or reimbursing them on completion, since a qualified workforce benefits the business too (and may make the employer eligible for CITB grant funding in turn). If you're employed, this is often the simplest first option to ask about.

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses (typically up to 16 weeks) funded by the government, aimed at building specific in-demand skills — in some areas these cover construction and trade-related training. Availability varies by region and changes over time, so check what's currently funded in your area.

What should you do first?

Tell us your trade, employment status and rough location when you request information — we'll flag any funding routes that are likely to apply before you commit to a course, and confirm the actual cost with the approved partner centre delivering it.