Gordon MP Richard Thomson highlights Scottish Government Flexible Workforce Development Fund, which could give businesses £15k to fund training at OU and Skills Development Scotland

A LOCAL MP has welcomed the return of the Scottish Government’s Flexible Workforce Development Fund.

Richard Thomson, MP for Gordon, celebrated the fund this week, which is now in its sixth year.

Eligible businesses across the north east can apply for up to £15,000 to fund workforce training courses through local colleges, the Open University in Scotland and Skills Development Scotland.

The fund is open to all small to medium-sized businesses, and organisations who pay the UK Apprenticeship Levy.

The initiative is key to Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, which outlines how the Scottish Government will work to develop the best economic performance possible over the decade ahead.

Mr Thomson said: "At a time of economic volatility, upskilling and investment in local workforces continues to play a crucial role in driving local development and growth.

"I warmly welcome the return of this key fund, which holds huge potential for businesses across the north east.

"I urge any eligible organisation to apply, and ensure their workers can access the courses necessary to professionally develop, strengthening both the workforce and our local economy."

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) was introduced in 2017-18 and aims to provide employers with flexible workforce development training opportunities tailored to their needs to support inclusive economic growth through upskilling and reskilling of employees.

Full information on the fund is available on the Scottish Funding Council website.

Employers can contact the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) at fwdf@sfc.sc.uk or Skills Development Scotland (SDS) at fwdf@sds.co.uk for further information on this year’s fund.

Apprenticeship Levy-paying organisations will be able to access upskilling support to the value of £15,000, and non-levy paying SMEs up to £5,000.

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