Flexible Workforce Development Fund

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund is now open to all employers across Scotland, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The fund supports businesses in Scotland to upskill and reskill employees.

What is the fund for?

It provides funding to UK Apprenticeship levy-payers and non-levy paying SMEs in Scotland. You can use the fund to access flexible workforce development training opportunities. This will help you address priority skills gaps and training needs.

Are you eligible?

There are different routes to access the funding, depending on type of training you need:

Employers who are levy-payers can access up to £15,000 worth of support. Levy payers must provide evidence of paying the UK Apprenticeship Levy.

Non-levy paying SME’s can access up to £5,000 worth of support. Non-levy paying SMEs must provide evidence of running a business. For example, a business bank account or company registration number.

Employers can access it once per academic year and have the option of using their local college, the Open University in Scotland or a private learning provider (administered through Skills Development Scotland). The fund will be distributed on a first come first served basis.  Employers must contact their local college in the first instance. If the college cannot provide the training you require, you'll have the option of using private training provision (administered through Skills Development Scotland).

Contact your local college - Flexible Workforce Development Fund list of colleges

The fund works on a first come, first served basis. It'll remain open until fully allocated. The last date for applications is July 31 2023.

For levy-paying employers using private training provision, you can access the online portal and complete your application form - FWDF application portal

For non-levy paying SMEs, you must contact your local college in the first instance. The local college will refer you to SDS if they cannot meet your needs.

If you have any questions visit their website