CITB-ConstructionSkills is making improvements to its 2012-2013 grants scheme, which will mean that the level of training funds paid out to firms will increase in many areas.

Changes include:

Payments for three year and four year apprenticeship packages increasing from £9,000 to £10,250

Grants for two year apprenticeship package being increased from £5,200 to £6,000

Grants for achieving qualifications will be increased from £275 to £400

The premium of £250 for achieving Vocational Qualifications at level 4 and above will be increased from August 1 resulting in a grant of £650 for attaining a VQ

The introduction of a new grant of £50 per day for trainees following degree, BTEC, HNC and similar courses

An increase in the daily attendance grant rate from £17.50 to £22.50 for each day's training

The new arrangements are effective from 1 August and were drawn up following a detailed consultation with industry and trade federation representatives by the Grants Scheme Working Party and the Training Committee.

Mark Farrar, ceo of CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: "We have been working closely with industry and trade federations to ensure that the Grants Scheme is a responsive as possible to their needs.

"We recognise when times are hard firms are forced to look at the bottom line of the balance sheet and they can often feel training is an added expense. However it is in these times that investing in training is more important than ever to help ensure we avoid a skills shortfall when the industry returns to growth.

"We are determined to do all we can to help business succeed and grow, and I would urge firms to visit to our website to find out whether they are eligible for grant funding and how to claim."

CITB-ConstructionSkills will be writing to all employers in July 2012 with details of the new arrangements. To qualify for payment from the 2012-2013 Grants Scheme employers must have completed and submitted their Levy Returns by 31 July 2012.

For more information visit www.cskills.org