Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) in Scotland

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) for Levy-paying Employers is now available for training with private training providers in Scotland.

What is the FWDF?

The Scottish Government Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF), has now been extended to provide funding for specialist training from private training providers, for Levy-paying employers in Scotland. The FWDF has been available for the last 3 years but has now evolved to help more organisations access funds for training. The recent increase in funding aims to provide more opportunities for employers to upskill or reskill their workforce as they continue to adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emphasis is on training which will help organisations thrive as the economy restarts and recovers.

By doubling the funding for this scheme to £20 million for 2020/21, the Scottish Government is enabling employers to invest in training opportunities for their diverse workforce, to improve productivity and growth. The aim is to retain employees and build on their skills so that they can reach their full potential.

Who can access the funding?

The fund has always been available to Apprenticeship Levy-paying employers, but is now available to SMEs across the private, public and third sectors, based in Scotland, as follows:

• Levy-paying employers can access up to £15,000 for training.
• SMEs can access up to £5,000 for training.

The funding can be used to cover the cost of the training in full, or as part payment.

Training provision

SMEs can access funds for training via Colleges and The Open University. Levy-paying employers can access training from Colleges, The Open University and private training providers.

This recent extension of the FWDF means that Levy-paying employers are now able to access a wider range of training opportunities for their employees. As well as considering training programmes via Colleges and The OU, they are now able to explore specialist training to help employees deal with the unique challenges they are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Application process

The process for applications started on 16th November 2020 and funding is available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. All training must be contractually agreed by July 2021.

Enquiries for funding for training via private training providers are handled by Skills Development Scotland.

SMEs can access more information regarding the application process on the Scottish Funding Council website. Click here to access the SFC website. 

Find out about specialist training with In Equilibrium

As a private training provider, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your training priorities for 2021. Please click here to see the range of courses available. All our training can be customised and we can suggest a tailored programme of training to meet your requirements.

Please contact contact us by email here