Businesses across North Ayrshire and across Scotland can now apply for up to £15,000 to help retrain and upskill their workforce.
The SNP Government’s Flexible Workforce Development Fund provides workers in organisations of all sizes with access to training courses through local colleges, the Open University in Scotland and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
Now entering its sixth year, the fund is open to organisations who pay the UK Tory Government's Apprenticeship Levy and small-to-medium size business (SMEs).
The initiative plays a crucial role in Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, which outlines how the SNP Government will work to develop the best economic performance possible over the decade ahead.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“A skilled workforce is vital to the North Ayrshire economy and I encourage as many businesses as possible to benefit from this scheme. A grant of up to £15,000 will help continued investment in the workforce, addressing skills gaps and improving productivity.
“Eligible employers can access training available via Ayrshire College and other colleges, SDS and the Open University, tailored to their needs. This provides an incredible opportunity for workers to upskill at a time when many businesses are opting for new ways of working.”
The Flexible Workforce Development Fund was introduced by the SNP Government in 2017/18.
Employers can contact the Scottish Funding Council at fwdf@sfc.sc.uk or SDS at fwdf@sds.co.uk for further information on this year’s fund.
Apprenticeship Levy-paying organisations will be able to access upskilling support to the value of £15,000, and non-levy paying SMEs up to £5,000.
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