CITB has recently reviewed the training courses eligible for grant funding and changed how this funding can be accessed. On 18 March 2026, CITB launched phase three of its new plant training standards.
Take a look below to learn more about the new plant training standards and other funded training opportunities.
What plant training grants are available?
Eligible employers can currently receive CITB plant training grants of up to £880 for novice operators and £470 for experienced operators. The amount depends on the plant category and its funding tier.
CITB offer grants across a range of eligible plant machinery categories. To qualify for funding, training must meet the new novice or experienced operator training standards.
Which employers and learners may be eligible?
Employers may be eligible if they are registered with CITB and up to date with their Levy Returns. Funding may be claimed for directly employed staff, business owners, partners and subcontractors, subject to the relevant grant conditions.
CITB short course grant guidance
To qualify for funding, the training must lead to a recognised card displaying the CSCS logo.
Plant categories that qualify
CITB offer grants for a range of plant machine categories, eligibility dependent at different rates and levels of experience.
Experienced operator grant
The experienced operator grant supports learners who already have experience using a particular type of plant machinery but require additional training before taking their test. To qualify for funding, the course must cover every element of the relevant experienced operator training standard.
Novice operator grant
The higher novice operator grant supports employers training staff who have no previous experience operating the relevant type of plant machinery. It is designed to help the industry develop more highly skilled, safe and competent plant operators.
Each rate is split into three tiers:
| Plant Grant | Novice | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | £550 | £250 |
| Tier 2 | £630 | £300 |
| Tier 3 | £880 | £470 |
Plant training standards by grant tier
Plant tier 1
| Standard title | Effective from |
|---|---|
| Excavator 180° above 5 tonnes – lifting operations | 18 June 2025 |
| Excavator 180° below 5 tonnes – lifting operations | 18 June 2025 |
| Excavator 360° above 10 tonnes – lifting operations | 18 June 2025 |
| Excavator 360° below 10 tonnes – lifting operations | 18 June 2025 |
| Ride-on roller | 31 July 2023 |
Plant tier 2
| Standard title | Effective from |
|---|---|
| Dump truck: articulated chassis, up to 15 tonnes | 18 June 2025 |
| Dump truck: articulated chassis/rear-tipping dumper, all sizes | 31 July 2023 |
| Dump truck: rigid chassis, all sizes – tracked | 18 June 2025 |
| Dump truck: rigid chassis, all sizes – wheeled | 18 June 2025 |
| Dump truck: rigid chassis, up to 15 tonnes | 18 June 2025 |
| Dump truck: rigid chassis, up to 50 tonnes | 18 June 2025 |
| Excavator 180° below 5 tonnes | 18 June 2025 |
| Excavator 360° below 10 tonnes – tracked | 18 June 2025 |
| Excavator 360° below 10 tonnes – wheeled | 18 June 2025 |
| Forklift side loader | 18 March 2026 |
| Forward-tipping dumper – tracked | 18 June 2025 |
| Forward-tipping dumper – wheeled | 31 July 2023 |
| Industrial forklift truck | 31 July 2023 |
| Plant and vehicle marshaller | 31 July 2023 |
| Reach truck | 18 March 2026 |
| Rough-terrain masted forklift | 18 March 2026 |
| Skid-steer loader | 18 March 2026 |
| Slinger/signaller: all types, all duties | 31 July 2023 |
| Slinger/signaller: all types/static duties | 18 March 2026 |
| Slinger/signaller: excavator | 18 March 2026 |
| Slinger/signaller: loader crane, static duties | 18 March 2026 |
| Telescopic handler: all sizes excluding 360° slew | 31 July 2023 |
| Telescopic handler: all sizes including 360° slew | 18 June 2025 |
| Telescopic handler: industrial telescopic | 18 June 2025 |
| Telescopic handler: suspended loads | 18 June 2025 |
| Telescopic handler: up to 9 metres | 18 June 2025 |
Plant tier 3
| Standard title | Effective from |
|---|---|
| Crawler tractor/dozer | 18 March 2026 |
| Excavator 180° above 5 tonnes | 18 June 2025 |
| Excavator 360° above 10 tonnes – tracked | 31 July 2023 |
| Excavator 360° above 10 tonnes – wheeled | 18 June 2025 |
| Tracked loading shovel | 18 March 2026 |
| Wheeled loading shovel | 18 March 2026 |
Plant grant claiming process
The claiming process depends on whether the plant training is delivered by an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), a Training Provider Network (TPN) member or another eligible provider.
Automatic claims through an ATO or TPN member
For novice and experienced operator training completed through an ATO or TPN member, the grant application is normally processed automatically.
When booking the training, the employer must provide:
- The learner’s full details
- The learner’s National Insurance number
- The employer’s seven-digit CITB registration number
Once the learner successfully completes the plant training, the provider reports the achievement to CITB within 10 working days. CITB records the achievement on the Construction Training Register and processes the grant application.
Employers should contact CITB if payment has not been received within three months of the achievement date.
Manual plant grant claims
If an eligible plant course or test is not reported automatically, the employer may need to submit a manual claim through the CITB Online Services portal.
For plant categories covered by the new standards, employers must use an Approved Training Organisation or TPN member. The provider reports the achievement to CITB, allowing the grant application to be processed automatically.
Other grant-eligible plant training that is not yet covered by the new standards may require the employer to claim through CITB Online Services within 52 weeks of the achievement date. Employers should confirm eligibility before booking.
Before booking with a provider that is not an ATO or TPN member, employers should check directly with CITB that the plant training remains eligible for grant funding. Training delivered under the new novice and experienced operator standards must meet the relevant CITB standard and provider requirements.
Further information is available in the CITB short course grant guidance.
Need help arranging grant-eligible plant training?
SB Skills can help you identify the appropriate novice or experienced operator route, check the relevant plant grant tier and arrange suitable training for your workforce.
Contact our team before booking to discuss your requirements and confirm the current grant conditions.
