Funding Opportunities For Scottish Employers
Scottish employers and work-based learning providers found out how they could benefit from additional funding – including a £1,000 incentive for businesses to take on a Modern Apprentice – at People 1st's Learning in Work Forum on 24 June.
Employers including the Townhouse Company, Montpeliers and the Sheraton were present at the forum - part of the continual professional development programme that People 1st provides for its Modern Apprenticeship (MA) centres.
Presentations at the event covered the current state of the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector in Scotland – based on key findings from People 1st's State of the Nation 2010 report - entry and exit routes for the MA, and the roll-out of FLOW – online modules designed to support apprentices learning at work. The day also included a demonstration of the MA Online - a new internet-based system that will help sector skills councils and bodies to deal more efficiently with the registration and certification of MAs in Scotland.
The new ‘skills packages' announced by the Scottish government were also outlined at the event. People 1st has lobbied hard on behalf of employers to secure funding for Modern Apprenticeships - particularly for adult MAs - and the government has agreed to support the sector through additional funds, including a £1,000 incentive for businesses to take on a Modern Apprentice.
Businesses with 50 employees or less can apply for the Flexible Training Opportunities programme, which allows them to claim 50 percent of the cost of each training episode (up to £500). The programme provides funding for the uptake of skills that contribute to business productivity and success, including:
- Qualifications (including individual units)
- Masterclasses
- Learning based on National Occupational Standards
- Industry-recognised qualifications
- First line supervisory management
- Workshops
- Taster sessions
Jim Sinclair, training and development manager at the Townhouse Company, found the event informative and helpful. He commented: “These events are a great way to keep up to date with developments – while newsletters are great, face-to-face interaction enhances the information and brings it the forefront of your mind.
“It also enables you to meet people who form or influence policy. You can put a face to a name - but the greatest advantage is to gain a better idea of their understanding and commitment to training and the hospitality industry.”
To find out more about People 1st's Learning in Work Forum, contact Lorraine Birrell at lorraine.birrell@people1st.co.uk or call 0131 654 0687.
For more information on the funding opportunities available for small businesses, visit skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
