North-east employers can access up to £15,000 of fully funded staff training through NESCol.
Employers across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire can now access fully funded training for their staff through North East Scotland College (NESCol).
The training has been supported through the Scottish Government's New Flexible Workforce Development Fund, which is designed to help eligible lower-income workers develop their skills, increase their earning potential and progress in their careers, as part of Scotland's wider approach to tackling child poverty. Those who are eligible can access up to £5,000 of training and up to a maximum of £15,000 per employer. Funding is limited.
The fund can be used for any NESCol part-time or online course, including daytime, evening, online and distance learning, and professional development courses.
It is open to Scotland-based employers in the private, public and third sectors that implement, or are working towards, Fair Work practices. Eligible employees need to earn less than £33,000 a year and are a parent or carer of a child under 18 living at home. Alternatively, individuals maybe aged under 24, or care-experienced or disabled and aged under 30.
Employers can use the fund to close skills gaps, support staff development, improve retention and build a more confident and productive workforce. Applications can be made by an employer or an individual employee, with each employer limited to one application.
Duncan Abernethy, Assistant Principal at NESCol said “The New FWDF is about creating opportunity through skills. By helping people develop and progress at work, we can support higher household incomes while giving employers the skilled workforce they need.”
NESCol’s workforce development team will help employers identify relevant courses and guide them through the application process. To apply, email workforce@nescol.ac.uk or visit nescol.ac.uk/college-services/new-fwdf.
Free courses for parents and carers
For those not in employment, NESCol is also offering free part-time and online courses to parents and carers with a child under 18 living at home and an individual income below £33,000.
The RISE Fund provides up to £3,750 per person. Learners can choose from more than 400 courses, and NESCol can help with travel and childcare costs. Parents and carers can apply by emailing RISE@nescol.ac.uk or visiting nescol.ac.uk/college-services/free-courses-for-parents.