There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on both individuals and employers across a range of sectors and industries.
However as we emerge from lockdown, there will be new opportunities to look forward to. For individuals - a chance to find a new job, re-skill for an existing career or undertake further study or training. For employers – a chance to upskill staff, a change in focus or direction, or the potential to recruit new talent.
These opportunities will be supported by a range of initiatives and funding streams – both new and existing - however with so many available at present, it’s easy to find the information overwhelming.
We’ve therefore summarised some of the key funding initiatives available for both individuals and employers.
Funding for Individuals
Young Person’s Guarantee
The Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee will give all Scottish young people aged 16 – 24 the opportunity of:
- An apprenticeship
- Fair employment including work experience
- Formal volunteering
- Training
- University or college
Young people will be connected to opportunities and signposted to organisations and information that can help depending on the route that’s right for them.
For more information, click here.
National Transition Training Fund (NTTF)
If anyone is currently under threat of redundancy, or unemployed having been made redundant at any time from the 1 March 2020 and are aged 25 or over, they can access an industry recognised qualification to help them gain employment.
The National Transition Training Fund offers training in areas where growth is expected in the labour market, providing a strong footing for employment opportunities.
If individuals are claiming benefits, their DWP work coach will be able to refer them to a local training provider.
If they are not claiming benefits, they can call our SDS helpline on 0800 917 8000 for more information.
For more information, visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk/national-transition-training-fund
We currently have opportunities linked to the renewables sector – find out more here.
SDS Individual Training Accounts (ITA)
You could receive up to £200 towards the cost of a training course with an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA), to help you develop new skills for your current role or progress your career.
The eligibility criteria is detailed below:
- Aged 16 or over
- Not in education or involved in any other SDS funded programme
- Unemployed and looking to get back into work
- Employed, earning less than £22,000 per year and looking to progress in or change your job
- Resident in Scotland
Applications are open until Wednesday 31 March, and you can find out more here
Funding for Employers
Young Person’s Guarantee
The Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee will give all Scottish young people aged 16 – 24 the opportunity of:
- An apprenticeship
- Fair employment including work experience
- Formal volunteering
- Training
- University or college
The scheme can provide employers with the resources and support to develop and build their workforce with young talent.
It can help employers engage with education such as colleges and universities, advertise a job or apprenticeship, find business support or access the Kickstart Scheme.
For more information, visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk/youngpersonsguarantee
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.
Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:
- 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
- Associated employer National Insurance contributions
- Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.
Further funding is also available for training and support so that young people on the scheme can get a job in the future.
Employers no longer need a minimum of 30 job placements to apply directly for a grant.
Employers can now apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant by either:
- applying online
- getting help from a Kickstart gateway who is already working with the Kickstart Scheme
For more information, click here
Apprenticeship Employer Grant
The Apprentice Employer Grant (AEG) is available to help employers to recruit new Modern or Graduate Apprentices within their business or to upskill existing employees.
Funding available includes:
- £5,000 for employers taking on or upskilling a 16 to 24-year through a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship, and for those aged up to 29 years who have a disability, are care experienced or are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.
- £3,500 for employers taking on or upskilling an individual aged 25 and over through a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship.
- If applications are for upskilling existing employees, the grant specifically supports those who have changed job roles within the last four months.
Funding will be available for eligible employers where the apprenticeship start date was on or after 1 December 2020. Funding will be available for starts until 25 March 2021 or until funding levels are exceeded, whichever comes first.
For more information, visit www.apprenticeships.scot/for-employers/apprenticeship-employer-grant/
Flexible Workforce Development Fund
The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) was created by the Scottish Government in 2017 to support Apprentice Levy paying employers to develop the skills and competence of their employees. Now entering its fourth year, the fund has proved to be an essential addition to the learning and development landscape in Scotland. The Scottish Government has increased funding to £20 million per annum for Apprentice Levy paying organisations with SMEs now also eligible.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have developed a range of courses that can be delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. These courses are facilitated by one of our experienced trainers and are as interactive as their in-person alternative.
Key Facts
- Apprentice Levy paying organisations are entitled to access up to £15,000
- SMEs are entitled to access up to £5,000 per round of funding
- Funding is aimed at addressing organisational skill gaps, improving workplace productivity and supporting employers to adapt to the impact of Covid-19
- Supply chain companies/staff can be included within an application
- Eligible organisations can apply for FWDF 20-21 funding only once per funding year
Important Information
- The application stage closes on the 31 July 2021, however as funding is allocated on a first come first served basis we anticipate that our allocation will be fully committed before then. As a result we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible
For more information, click here
Modern Apprenticeship Training
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) allow people to ‘earn while they learn’ and attain industry recognised qualifications at the same time. MAs receive training to match your business needs and you could be eligible for financial assistance to support the costs of their training.
You can find out more and view our Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks here - we also have a dedicated team who can assist you with recruitment, selection and your funding applications.
Questions?
Employers can contact our Business Development Team on business.development@forthvalley.ac.uk
Individuals can contact our Learner Advisers at learner.advisers@forthvalley.ac.uk