Chamber News
NOW OPEN | Flexible Workforce Development Fund
24 January 2023 • Sarah Medcraf
The Flexible Workforce Development Fund is now open. Non-levy paying SMEs can access up to £5,000 for staff training support (which can be split across staff members) and levy-paying employers can access up to £15,000. The fund is available on a first come, first served basis so make your application soon.
Businesses may make one application to the FWDF per academic year. In the first instance, they should look to their local colleges/the Open University (who run their own FWDFs) here.
If 80% or more of the training the business requires is outwith the college/Open University offer, then businesses may use the FWDF for private training providers. For businesses who are already working with Skills Development Scotland, I am able to make a referral. For businesses who are not currently supported by Skills Development Scotland, they will need to be referred via their local college.
Please note, the FWDF does not support provision of industry qualifications where there is a statutory obligation by law for an employee to have that training. However, mandatory training for an employee relating to a new area of work for them would be considered as upskilling/reskilling and so could be supported by the FWDF. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Training must be contractually agreed by 31 July 2023, commenced by 31 August 2023 and delivered and completed by 31 December 2023. Further guidance can be found here.