Additional businesses in Scotland have been given the opportunity to apply for the Flexible Training Opportunities fund.
Launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) earlier this year and supported by the European Social Fund, the programme of funding aims to help small businesses become more resilient and boost productivity and success. The fund is now open to businesses across Scotland with 75 employees or less.
The Flexible Training Opportunities fund gives businesses the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs. To reflect this change the deadline for applications has been extended until early March 2011.
SDS will refund up to 50% for training courses up to a maximum of £5,000 per business. The training can be allocated to any number of employees up to a maximum of 10. For example, a business can opt to put 10 employees on courses with a value of £500 each, or alternatively, put one employee through 10 courses, with all variations in between.
To ensure they reap maximum benefits from the scheme, the initiative allows businesses to design training programmes to suit their own needs. By tailoring the training, companies can encourage staff to reach their full potential.
Courses include industry recognised qualifications, workshops and masterclasses but does not include healthy and safety training.
For further information please contact Yvonne Macfarlane, Skills Development Scotland on 0141 285 6000 / 6237.
