Flexible Training Opportunities - Funding Assistance

Start Date: 17/07/2010    End Date: 31/08/2010

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 that promotes improved workplace productivity, helping employers increase organisational resilience through this period of economic recovery. Skills Development Scotland will provide a financial contribution to these businesses to encourage investment in learning and development for 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

* Master classes

* 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 is 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 an episode of training costs £1200, Skills Development Scotland will refund £500. If it costs £300, it will refund £150.

To apply, call the helpline free on 0800 783 6000 or for further information please visit

http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/news/5000-flexible-training-opportunities.aspx