WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND

If you’re a parent or carer with a child under 18 living at home, and earn below £33,000, you may be eligible for funding to study or train part-time at NESCol. 

Whether your goal is to get back into work, find a new job or progress in your current role, flexible learning is a great way to improve your career opportunities. Through new funding from the Scottish Government, you can choose from more than 400 part-time and online courses at NESCol.

These courses can help you gain qualifications, develop your skills and boost your confidence. We may also help with your travel and childcare costs while you study.

Priority is given to the following groups, although all parents and carers are encouraged to apply:

• Lone parent families
• Families with a disabled adult or child
• Larger families (three or more children)
• Minority ethnic families
• Families with a child under one year old
• Families with mothers under the age of 25.

There are three new funding options available. These are designed to support parents and carers who are returning to work, developing their skills, or looking to improve their earning potential and career opportunities.Employers can also use the new Flexible Workforce Development Fund (new FWDF) to provide training for eligible employees, including parents and carers, people aged under 24, and care-experienced or disabled people under 30.

Browse our courses and find a course that interests you. Funding can be used for all NESCOl part-time and online courses. There are:

• Part-time: Daytime
• Part-time: Evening
• Part-tine: Online & Distance
• Professional Development

NESCol can support employers, helping their staff access free courses to develop their skills and support their careers. By upskilling your employees, you can help your businesses close skills gaps, adopt Fair Work practices, reduce training costs, and drive productivity. Courses range from one-day duration to up to 12 months. 

Funding is available from up to £5,000 per learner and a maximum of £15,000 per employer.