Funding for training and qualifying your workforce

The BWF’s WITForum has secured funds to support the bespoke training and qualification of its members’ workforce.

The On-Site Assessment & Training (OSAT) programmes cover Health & Safety, Joinery, Wood Machining, Management, Supervision and Heritage Carpentry & Joinery. Each provides a package of training and support for the employee and provides them with a recognised qualification at the end as an NVQ.

Each programme is delivered in your company usually between 9-18 months, depending on the speed and current knowledge of the learner.
Funding comes primarily from CITB through the BWF, through the standard CITB grant scheme, and in some cases from government funds, allowing all BWF members to access some funding.

Level 2 programmes (suitable for unqualified bench joiners, wood machinists team leaders, supervisors, sales reps etc)

1. Joinery Manufacture
2. Joinery Team Leading & Supervision
3. Timber and Timber Product Sales
4. Wood Machining

Funding and costs

Net cost after all funding claimed: between £262pp

£750 from BWF grant pot
£488 from CITB grant scheme
Additional government funding may be avilable for employers in England – eligibility checked on pre-application.

Total cost of programme: £1,500
Upfront cost: £750

All funds are subject to eligibility. BWF funds are taken off cost price, CITB grant scheme is claimed back upon successful completion of the NVQ (£400) and the supplementary payment of £88 (for those that qualify this works out to 22% of the NVQ grant). Government funding is England only and eligibility varies – if companies qualify, this will be taken off the cost price. Other terms and conditions apply)

Level 3 and 5 programmes (suitable for experienced joiners/carpenters, supervisors involved with H&S, senior supervisors/foremans, and senior management positions involved with H&S)

Heritage Carpentry and Joinery (Level 3)*
Joinery Health & Safety (Level 3)
Joinery Health & Safety Management (Level 5)
Joinery Management (Level 3)

Funding and costs

Net cost after all funding claimed: £387*

£875 from BWF grant pot
£488 from CITB grant scheme

Total cost of programme: £1,750
Upfront cost: £875

All funds are subject to eligibility. BWF funds are taken off cost price, CITB grant scheme is claimed back upon successful completion of the NVQ (£400) and the supplementary payment of £88 (for those that qualify this works out to 22% of the NVQ grant).

General guidance

CITB related funding is only available to members who are registered and in-scope of CITB. Government funding is for any member in England – please check your eligibity for funding with the BWF. Companies are limited to three candidates for BWF funding and CITB grant scheme and government rates are subject to change. All BWF grant recipients must be registered on the BWF’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme.

To register you and/or staff on one of the BWF OSAT programmes, please compelte a pre-application form or contact Dave Campbell, BWF Marketing & Training Manager

*Heritage Carpentry and Joinery is delivered through a different provider to other OSAT programmes, and therefore additional travel expenses may be payable – a quote will be provided before go ahead.