Please note the following information regarding applications:

  • All applications are considered individually and on their merit.
  • Consideration is given as to value for money of the training. Consideration is also given to any changes in national policy, steer from our Funders and overall direction of The Skills Enhancement Fund. It is therefore possible that only certain elements of an application may be considered eligible for support or that certain elements are rejected completely, particularly if the funding requested is to support activity where there is little or no direct training.
  • We operate guiding principals that an individual should receive no more that £3,000 of Enhancement Funding for higher level skills (qualifications of level 4 and above) and £1,200 for training leading to accredited qualifications below level 4 and £750 for non-accredited training below level 4.
  • If support may be available through one of the commissioning specifications for the requested training, providers and employers will be signposted to them. Referral will take place once the specification is on The Skills Enhancement Fund website.
  • Applications must comply with the conditions set out in the guidance document otherwise they may be rejected on the grounds of non-compliance.

FAQs

What type of businesses are eligible for support?

All sizes and types of businesses can be supported, but there is a focus on the following sectors:

  • Agriculture, Horticulture & land based Industries
  • Childcare & Early Years
  • Engineering Manufacturing & Print
  • Construction & the Built Environment
  • Retail Services
  • Digital, ICT, Creative & Media
  • Health & Social Care
  • Hospitality, Tourism, Sport & Leisure
  • Ports, Logistics & Distribution
  • Voluntary, Community & Faith

Some commissioning specifications may specify a targeting of a specific sector or size of business.
Some public sector organisations may be supported, but seek confirmation with a Commissioning Adviser first, as the criteria may change.

How will the required private sector contribution work in practice?

For the SBA the employers is required to pay 100% to the provider and they are then are reimbursed 60%
On delivery supported through the Provider Route – employers need to pay 40% cash contribution towards direct training costs to the provider
On Commissioned activity each specification will identify if a cash contribution is required or not and how that will be administered.

Can higher level skills provision be supported?

Yes

Can larger amounts than the current maximum of £20,000 be awarded to an employer through SBA?

If the need arises and is justified there is flexibility to increase the amount, however, this would need to be assessed to see if this is the most appropriate route for the application.

Is it one application per business under the SBA route?

No a business can have more than application, but only when they have completed the training identified in the first application

Under the SBA, does the employer have a Train to Gain Organisational Needs Analysis, or can it be an Organisational Needs Analysis (ONA) undertaken by a provider?

ONAs can be provided through training Providers and Train to Gain Brokers

Are Micro, Freelance and Sole Traders eligible?

Yes

Is capital investment included in the 60% funding?

Capital purchases will not be funded through The Skills Enhancement Fund
Provider Routes and Commissioned activities will pay for some running costs of the project – but not capital

Under what circumstances would there be no contribution from SMEs?

Only under Commissioned Activity which does not specify a 40% employer Cash contribution

Please clarify eligibility for 16-18 year olds

Employees aged 16+ can be supported but the employer must be willing to pay the 40% contribution

Is there a limit to how many courses can be funded for one individual - can someone do a short course as well as a level 4 etc?

No limit, more than one course can be funded.

If you have a specific question that has not been answered by anything that you have read on this website, then please drop us a line and we will respond to you and update this page accordingly.