Skills Development Scotland, on behalf of Scottish Government, has launched a Grant Scheme for Modern Apprenticeship (MA) and Employability Fund (EF) learning providers.
The funding support is designed to assist eligible providers with the costs of providing continuity of contracted services for apprentices, learners and employers during the pandemic.
What does it provide?
The Grant-in-Aid scheme offers eligible SDS MA and EF contract holders a monthly grant payment. The scheme initially covered the period of April to June 2020 and has now been extended to include July, August, September and October 2020.
Support is calculated each month as 1/12th of the contract value, minus payments already made and paying 40% of the balance, capped at actual costs.
Some providers have already claimed over the calculated monthly payment and will therefore not receive any relief payment for the month concerned.
Who can apply?
Contracted MA and EF training providers who are continuing to deliver contracted and supported services for apprentices, employers and learners during the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for the relief funding.
For the purposes of the grant eligibility, this will be evidenced by at least one FIPS claim for each month. Providers will also show, through completion of a template, that they are continuing to work with 60% or more of their apprentices or learners, and for MA providers also evidencing contact with 60% of available employers.
When is it available?
Applications for support from April through to August 2020 are now closed.
How can I apply?
For applications covering April, May and June 2020:
Applications have now closed.
For applications covering July and August 2020:
Applications have now closed.
The control sheet for August can be accessed in our publications area.
For applications covering September and October 2020:
The new Instruction document provides guidance and outlines the full process and requirements for each step.
Instructions, Application form, Terms and Conditions and control sheet for September and October can be accessed in the publications area.