Eligible Businesses Can Apply for up to £15,000

Local MP Alyn Smith has praised the return of the Scottish Government’s Flexible Workforce Development Fund, now in its sixth year. Eligible businesses across Stirling and Scotland can apply for up to £15,000 to assist with access to workforce training courses through local colleges, the Open University in Scotland and Skills Development Scotland.

The fund is open to small-to-medium sized businesses, and organisations who pay the UK Apprenticeship Levy.

The initiative plays a crucial role in Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, which outlines how the Scottish Government will work to develop the best economic performance possible over the decade ahead.

Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:

‘At a time of economic volatility, upskilling and investment in local workforces continues to play a crucial role in driving local development and growth. I warmly welcome the return of this key fund, which holds huge potential for businesses across the Stirling area. I urge any eligible organisation to apply, and ensure their workers can access the courses necessary to professionally develop, strengthening both the workforce and Stirling’s local economy.’

Notes:

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) was introduced in 2017-18 and aims to provide employers with flexible workforce development training opportunities tailored to their needs to support inclusive economic growth through upskilling and reskilling of employees.

Full information on the fund is available on the Scottish Funding Council website.

Employers can contact the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) at fwdf@sfc.sc.uk or Skills Development Scotland (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.