A new scheme offering funding for employers to upskill their workforce has been launched by West Lindsey District Council.
The Workforce Development Grant Scheme has been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda that aims to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK.
The scheme will be available to organisations located within the district of West Lindsey and employing up to 250 people.
The main aim is helping employers tackle skills shortages and training needs within their workforce. This includes:
- Technical and vocational qualifications and courses up to level 2.
- Training for vocational licences to address driver shortages.
- High value qualifications where there is a need for additional skills capacity that cannot be met through mainstream funding.
Amanda Bouttell, Employment and Skills lead at West Lindsey District Council, says she is confident the grant funding will provide positive outcomes for the local workforce.
She said: “We understand the critical role that employers can play in developing their people. Quite often training is cost prohibitive and so this scheme will give employers flexibility and a broader opportunity to seek out the provision they need.
“This scheme also supplements other support available through national employment and skills programmes.”
According to the latest West Lindsey Employment and Skills Report 2023, employers confirmed there’s an appetite to engage with the education and skills agenda to ensure the competitiveness of their own employment offer and the news has been welcomed by Council leaders.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young, said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the life blood of the district, and provide a lot of local employment. Upskilling will help organisations strengthen their existing workforce, fill new positions, and help them to remain competitive.”
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