Flexible Training Opportunities

Why are we launching ‘Flexible Training Opportunities?

A Scottish Government-led initiative, the aim of the Flexible Training Opportunities (FTO) Programme is to help Scottish businesses invest in learning and development opportunities for their employees.

The focus of the programme is to support learning activity which promotes improved workplace productivity, helping employers increase organisational resilience through this period of economic recovery.

What's the offer?

Skills Development Scotland will provide a financial contribution to businesses to allow employers to invest in learning and development for their staff, and so help support the sustainability and growth of small businesses within Scotland.

Who is it for?

Small businesses with 150 employees or less that are private sector organisations including voluntary and community not-for-profit status. Public sector organisations can NOT apply.

How many people will benefit?

The target is to provide funding for 5000 employed individuals. Each business can make a claim for up to 10 individuals. This will cover one episode of learning per individual.

Is it for specific sectors?

No - businesses across all industry sectors can apply.

How much funding help is payable?

The business can claim 50% of the cost of each training episode up to a maximum of £500.

What type of training will be supported?

The programme will provide funding for the uptake of skills that will contribute to business productivity and success. Below is a list of the type of training that is eligible for support:

• Qualifications including individual units
• Master Classes
• Learning based on National Occupational Standards
• Industry recognised qualifications
• First line supervisory management
• Workshops
• Taster sessions

What won’t be supported?

Legislative or statutory training will not be funded through the Flexible Training Opportunities Programme. Other exclusions include:

• training delivered in-house by staff employed by the business
• company teambuilding away days
• company process awareness activity
• leadership and management programmes (excluding first line supervisory management)
• travel and accommodation costs for employee or trainers
• staff backfill costs / downtime costs
• employer administration costs

How are businesses being told about the Programme?

There will be information available on our website. In addition, we are promoting this through our partners, such as the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils and business membership organisations.

How do businesses apply?

Employers should contact our Employer Helpline on 0800 783 6000 or visit the Skills Development Scotland website at www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk.

What happens next?

Our Advisers will carry out an eligibility check and, if you are eligible, will arrange for an application form to be sent  within 5 working days. At this point, our Advisers can carry out course searches or refer them to the appropriate Sector Skills Council where more sector-specific is required.

What does the employer need to do?

The business now needs to complete the application. It’s in 4 parts:

• Part 1 – business details.
• Part 2 – business statement – why are they applying, and how will this training meet their business objectives.
• Part 3 – Identify the training for up to 10 staff. They will liaise directly with providers and confirm costs / amount to be funded.
• Part 4 – Identify success measures from a list that we have provided.

Where do the applications go?

The applications are sent to our FTO back office team, which will be based at Bellshill. This team will be coordinated by Derrick Ross and will consist of SDS staff who will assess each application and decide whether or not the application can proceed.

What if an adjudication is required?

The assessors have a list of SIA and Industry Managers’ contact details to ensure that, where there a training episode that isn’t clear cut in terms of eligibility, then we use the expertise of our colleagues to ensure that the ruling is correct.

What happens if the application is successful?

The business is notified by letter within 5 working days of our receipt of the application. Accompanying the letter will be a claim form, detailing what we have agreed to fund. They then have 90 days to complete the training and return the claim form with the required evidence.

What happens if the application is unsuccessful?

The assessors will manage each case directly with the business and will ensure that the reasons for non-acceptance are clearly communicated.

Does the business have to pay for the training up-front?

Yes, the business is responsible for negotiating the cost of the training and meeting the payment terms agreed with the provider.

What evidence is required?

For each episode of training, they need to supply an ORIGINAL bank statement which confirms payment from the business to the provider. They must also attach a copy of the invoice or confirmation from the provider detailing the name of the employee attending, dates and name of training course.

How will they get their money?

Upon receipt of a valid claim form, we will notify the business within five working days that their claim has been approved.

Within a further 10 working days, one single BACS payment will be made to the business.