Funding for training initiative announced - 01 July 2010


Skills Development Scotland have announced 5000 Flexible Training Opportunities, a new initiative to support small businesses in Scotland.
The Flexible Training Opportunities programme gives Scottish businesses with 1-50 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £500* towards employee training costs.
The aim of Flexible Training Opportunities is to help Scottish businesses invest in learning and development opportunities for their employees. The focus of the programme is to support learning activity which promotes improved workplace productivity, helping you to increase organisational resilience through this period of economic recovery.
Skills Development Scotland will provide a financial contribution to your business to allow you to invest in learning and development for your staff, and so help support the sustainability and growth of small businesses within Scotland.
The types and levels of training that are eligible for support are:
Qualifications including individual units
Masterclasses
Learning based on National Occupational Standards
Industry recognised qualifications
First line supervisory management
Workshops
Taster sessions
Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business and the money is not a loan so there's no need to pay it back.  Skills Development Scotland will refund up to 50% of each episode of employee  training up to a maximum of £500.
For example, if training costs £1200, Skills Development Scotland will refund £500.  If it costs £300, they will refund £150.
To apply for this funding, please call the free helpline on 0800 783 6000 or visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk for further information.