Flexible Workforce Development Fund Guidance

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) provides an opportunity for colleges, The Open University in Scotland (OUiS) and independent training providers to engage with local employers and develop a deeper understanding of the skills needs in their regional economies. Employers can address priority skills and skills gaps in their organisation by accessing funding to create training programmes that meet their needs.

Information for Employers

The FWDF is open both to UK Apprenticeship Levy paying employers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland. From 2022-23 both Levy payers and SMEs can access training through the college sector and the OUiS. Apprenticeship Levy payers can access training up to the value of £15,000 and SME up to £5000.

We have also collated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [PDF] with links to the colleges and OUiS websites.

For further details on the funding route most appropriate to your business please see the Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]. Once you have identified the appropriate route the college, OUiS or SDS will guide you through the application process.

By accessing the FWDF, employers in Scotland:

• Have the flexibility to choose the training that best meets their needs.
• Can use the Fund to address priority skills gaps, including transitioning to net zero.
• Can access tailored training in high-quality learning environments.
• Engage and motivate existing employees by offering them high quality training to bring the greatest benefits to your organisation.

Information for Colleges, The Open University in Scotland and Independent Training Providers

The FWDF provides an opportunity for colleges, the OUiS and independent training providers to engage with local employers and to develop a deeper understanding of the skills needs in their regional economies. By engaging with this initiative, colleges, the OUiS and independent training providers can play an important role in supporting economic recovery and growth.

Currently for the FWDF in 2022-23, there is £10 million available for colleges, £0.5 million available for the OUiS and £1 million available for independent training providers. Allocation of this funding is detailed in the guidance notes below.

SFC would encourage colleges, the OUiS and independent training providers to promote the FWDF to employers across Scotland in any way they can. In addition, Colleges Scotland has produced a set of case studies to show how the college sector is using the FWDF.

Guidance

Flexible Workforce Development Fund 2022-23

Further information

Should you have any questions that are not currently addressed in the FAQs, or if there are any issues you would like to raise, please email our dedicated email address: fwdf@sfc.ac.uk.