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Scotland Apprenticeship grants

Change to the apprenticeship system in Scotland

The apprenticeship system in Scotland is changing to make it more responsive to the opportunities and challenges created by the changing nature of work. Apprenticeships need to reflect what works looks like today and consider future skills and technologies. Your input at this critical stage will ensure you and your business have easier access to a steady pipeline of talent with the skills needed to grow your workforce, expand your business, and meet the future demands of your industry.

You can find out more about apprenticeship development on the Apprenticeship.scot website.

On this page:

Overview

We pay grants for approved apprenticeships at Level 2 and above that focus on core construction skills needed across the industry.

Who can apply for these grants?

You can apply if you’re a CITB Registered employer and up to date with your Levy Returns, as well as adhering to the Grants Scheme policy and specific requirements for this grant.

The grant for apprenticeships covers:

  • Off-the-job attendance with an approved apprenticeship provider.
  • Achievement of an apprenticeship.

You must use an approved apprenticeship provider that has a direct contract with SDS and current approval with an appropriate awarding body, such as the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

You can apply for grants for directly employed individuals only on approved Apprenticeships.

Scottish Modern and Higher Apprenticeships are governed by the Guidance and Proposal Template and Scottish Graduate Apprenticeships.

Which apprenticeships are covered for grant?

See a full list of apprenticeships we pay grant for.

How much is it?

  • £2,500 per year for attendance whilst completing the apprenticeship, up to a maximum duration defined within each apprenticeship. This grant is payable every 13 weeks.
  • £3,500 achievement grant on successful completion of the full apprenticeship.
  • An additional achievement grant of £3,500 is payable on achievement of the Professional Development Award (SQA) or the Diploma (C&G) if you are in receipt of attendance grant for your apprentice and they are completing an apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 only.

Grant increase for dry lining

In addition to the above, an extra £2,000 is payable for dry lining apprentices:

    • £1,000 paid with first quarterly attendance payment (13 weeks).
    • £1,000 paid with the final quarterly attendance payment.

Your apprentice must complete 13 weeks of the apprenticeship before there is entitlement to the first £1,000 increase. A maximum dry lining increase of £2,000 is payable per apprentice.

How to apply

Apply for this grant through the CITB Online Services portal. Simply sign up or sign in to get started.

Apply online now

Find out more about the Online Services portal, including:

  • how to sign up and access your employer
  • what is available in the portal
  • user guides and videos showing step by step how to apply for grant.

For attendance grants:

  • You must apply within 52 weeks of the course start date for the grant to be backdated to that date.
  • If you apply after 52 weeks, the grant can only be backdated up to 52 weeks from the date we receive your application.

For achievement grants:

  • Apply within 52 weeks of the achievement date.

If you are unable to use the Online Services portal, you can apply for grant by email. Download the individual application form to apply for one apprentice, or the bulk application from if you wish to apply for multiple apprentices, and send it to us at the email address below.

Attendance applications

Save and email your completed application form to Customer.ServicesYNET@citb.co.uk. 

You must provide evidence with your application that shows your apprentice is registered onto an approved apprenticeship programme. Your application cannot be processed without this.

Acceptable evidence can be from the college or training provider, either on headed paper or in an email (from an email address ending .ac.uk), a screenshot from the Digital Apprenticeship Service, or an Apprenticeship Learning Agreement. All evidence must show the following information: 

  • Full name of the learner
  • Full apprenticeship title
  • The course start date.

Achievement applications

Save and email your completed application form to grant.claimforms@citb.co.uk 

Attach a copy of the apprenticeship achievement certificate or an achievement notification email from the awarding body. Your application cannot be processed without this.

For support on applying for this grant you can contact the New Entrant Support Team  or our Customer Services team on 0344 994 4455.

Attendance grant payments

We will send you a form or email notification every 13 weeks to confirm that your apprentice is still in training and employment. You must make the confirmation within 3 months of the issue date to continue to receive payments.

If the learner leaves your employment, you must notify us, and we will pay attendance grant up to the date they left.

On achievement of the apprenticeship, we will pay attendance grant up to the last date of learning.

Changes and transfers

If an apprentice changes employers but remains on the same apprenticeship, grant payments are shared according to the number of days of employment they have spent with each employer.

A maximum increase of £2,000 is payable for each individual completing an Interior Systems Installer or Dry Lining apprenticeship. In instances where apprentices change employers:

  • The first £1,000 grant is paid to the employer with which the apprentice first completes 13 weeks of their apprenticeship
  • The final £1,000 grant is paid to the employer with which the apprentice completes their attendance.

You must also tell us immediately if your apprentice leaves their training programme or your employment. Failure to do so will result in action to recover overpayments.

Other grants

You cannot receive short qualification grant for an NVQ or SVQ in the same occupation in which your apprentice achieves their apprenticeship.

Have you sent us your bank details? 

Grants are paid by bank transfer. If we do not hold your current bank details, please complete and submit the secure online Bacs Direct Credit Authorisation Form to receive grant payments.

Apprenticeship travel and accommodation funding

We are widening the support offer for employers with apprentices who have to 'Travel to Train'.

We will fund 80% of accommodation costs for eligible apprentices of grant eligible employers who attend colleges or training providers where overnight stays and travel to and from a hotel to a place of training are required.

Employers can also claim excess costs for apprentice travel where the cost exceeds £20 per week.

Find out more about "Travel to Train" on the apprenticeship travel and accommodation and funding page.