Flexible Workforce Development Fund

Looking to invest in your workforce, develop new skills and support employee progression? The New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (New FWDF) could help.

Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered through Scotland's colleges, the New FWDF provides access to fully funded training for eligible employees earning less than £33,000 per year.

The fund is designed to help parents, carers and young people in employment gain valuable new skills and qualifications, while helping employers build a stronger, more capable workforce. Whether you're looking to tackle skills gaps, support career development or invest in your team's future, this funding can help make it happen.

What is the New FWDF?

The New Flexible Workforce Development Fund gives eligible employers access to training that supports both business growth and employee development.

Through the fund, employers can access:

• Up to £15,000 of funded training per organisation, per year
• Up to £5,000 of funding per eligible employee
• Flexible, work-friendly training delivered by Scotland's colleges
• Recognised qualifications and industry-relevant skills development

The current funding programme runs from August 2026 to December 2027.

Please note: This fund is separate from the FWDF initiative that launched in 2017.

Who Can Apply?

The fund is open to employers of all sizes across the:

• Private sector
• Public sector
• Third (voluntary) sector.

To be eligible, your organisation must:

• Be based in Scotland
• Already implement, or commit to working towards, Fair Work practices.

Eligible Employees

Training can be funded for employees earning less than £33,000 per year who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A parent or carer of a child under 18 living at home
• Aged under 24
• Care experienced or disabled and aged under 30.

Applications can be submitted by either an employer or an individual employee, provided the employer is aware of and supports the application.

How Your Organisation Can Benefit

The New FWDF can help you:

• Address skills shortages through fully funded training
• Support staff development and career progression
• Improve staff retention and workforce capability
• Build a more skilled, confident and productive workforce
• Demonstrate your commitment to Fair Work principles

Training is designed to be flexible and fit around existing work and family commitments, making it easier for employees to learn while continuing in their roles.

How to Apply

Funding is limited and allocated regionally, so we encourage employers and employees to get in touch as early as possible.

Our team will help you:

• Discuss your workforce training needs
• Confirm eligibility
• Identify suitable training opportunities
• Guide you through the application process.

Enquire Now

Please use the form below to contact us with your FWDF enquiry.