Is There Funding Available for the NEBOSH National General Certificate?

Before studying for a NEBOSH National General Certificate, many applicants ask whether funding or financial support is available to cover the cost of the course. Both employers and employees alike stand to gain a lot from the course, but we understand that sometimes additional support is required for workplaces to become safer.

Though dependent on individual circumstances, various types of financial support are on offer. You'll need to determine whether you can qualify for any funding using our quick guide.

Charities and Volunteer Groups

NEBOSH have teamed up with the Charities Safety Group (CSG), a membership body and support network for those with health and safety responsibilities who are not necessarily specialists in the field.

Between them, they have sought to assist small charities and voluntary sector organisations to get health and safety qualified. Working with course providers, they have ensured free training is available for those who meet specific criteria.

Several years into the scheme, a great many qualifications have been earned this way.

Before any candidates are enrolled, their application must first be accepted by the CSG itself. To apply, charities should contact NEBOSH's Customer Support Team via e-mail (info@nebosh.org.uk) or phone 0116 263 4700.

CITB Employer Network Funding

Employer Networks are funded by CITB aiming to simplify the funding you need to access for the training you want, and they will fund up to 70% of the NEBOSH General Certificate. If are registered with CITB, up to date with your levy and have an Employer Network in your area you are eligible for this funding. 

There is a full list of available areas, which you can view on the CITB website.

Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits

Elsewhere, significant discounts are available to those who have served in the UK Armed Forces. Both serving and former members qualify for grants towards any NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma level course.

The exact level of monetary assistance will vary depending on your stint in the military, but contributions could amount to as much as 80% of the total value. Please note, that ELC credits will only apply when undertaking studies with an approved course provider like Astutis. Find out more about using ELCAS funds for NEBOSH courses with Astutis.

Personal Learning Account (PLA) Funding

If you are over 19 and living in Wales, in employment and earning under £32,371, or if your job is at risk; you may be eligible for a Personal Learning Account.

To be eligible for this funding, you will need to:

• Live in Wales.
• Have a desire to gain skills and qualifications in priority sectors.
• Be 19-years-old or over.

You must also fit one or more of the following requirements:

• Be employed (including self-employed), earning below the median income (£32,371).
• A worker on a zero hour contract, or Agency staff.
• At risk of being made redundant.
• Employed and negatively impacted by the economy, for example the hospitality industry.

Your study will take place through a college in Wales, either online, face-to-face, or a combination of both. 

Professional and Career Development Loan

As of January 2019, applications for the Professional and Career Development loan are closed. However, it is still worth checking the government website in case this or a similar initiatives are made available in the future.

These are interest-free loans for those aiming to get a professional qualification within the UK. In the case of the NEBOSH General Certificate, candidates would begin repayments one month after finishing their course. A great way to spread the cost without having to pay interest.

Anyone seeking a loan would need to study in conjunction with a course provider on the scheme register, such as Astutis. Grants must be repaid in full, whether or not you finish your course, pass or fail.

If you want to find out more about the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, you can head over to our course page below to try a demo of the course, read FAQs and pick from our diverse range of learning methods.