European Social Fund (ESF)
The European Social Fund (ESF) supports employability initiatives like vocational training places for young people. The final year of delivery in colleges concluded at the end of June 2022. The University of Highlands and Islands will continue with their planned delivery into AY 2022-23 as the project comes to an end.
ESF Developing Scotland’s Workforce
In June 2018, The SFC Board approved the proposed activity / funding commitments for the second phase, over the period 2018-19 to 2022-23.
The second phase of ‘Developing Scotland’s Workforce’ (DSW), 2018-23, continues with the aim of addressing regional skills gaps and skills shortages associated with key employment sectors. The project will provide higher level skills to support the development of emerging growth areas. Funding has been allocated to allow the provision of additional further and higher education activity across Scotland, including Lowlands and Uplands Scotland (LUPS) and the Highlands & Islands (as a transitional region).
Programme guidance
2021-22
ESF Developing Scotland’s Workforce Guidance 2021-22
2020-21
ESF Developing Scotland’s Workforce Guidance 2020-21
The Scottish Government’s ESF Operational Programme can be found on the Scottish Government’s website, along with National Rules for the programme.
2019-20
SFC / ESF Developing Scotland’s Workforce
2018-19
ESF Developing Scotland’s Workforce
2017-18
Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)
Developing Scotland's Workforce (DSW)