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Edinburgh College to showcase free training courses for businesses at virtual event

Posted: 25th November 2020

Edinburgh College’s Training and Development team is holding an event to showcase the free training and development opportunities available to thousands of businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The virtual event will give businesses an introduction to the Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) – a fund which levy-paying businesses across the public, private and third sectors, can access to secure a wide range of training courses to help them to upskill and reskill their staff.

The process of applying to the fund could not be simpler, with an Edinburgh College Advisor guiding clients through the process, ensuring deadlines are met to guarantee funding is provided.

The event, which is taking place online via Zoom, is being held on Tuesday 1 December 2020 from 8.30-9.15am.

The College’s Training and Development team will deliver a short presentation on the fund before engaging in a question and answer session. Delegates will also hear from Kelly Cunningham of East Lothian Care and Accommodation Project (ELCAP) who will talk about her experience of utilising the FWDF to upskill and reskill her team.

Through the FWDF, businesses can apply for varying levels of funding towards training for their employees – up to £15k for apprenticeship levy-payers, and up to £5k for SMEs. This funding can be used by businesses of all different types.

Courses designed and delivered by expert lecturers cover areas including: Management and Leadership; Accounting and Finance; Mental Health and Resilience; Social Care; Health and Safety; Hospitality; Engineering; Construction and Trades; Digital Skills; and the Creative Industries, among others.

Edinburgh College is leading the way in providing both in house, on campus, and virtual training having launched a new virtual professional training prospectus in response to the ongoing pandemic – meaning clients’ training can be delivered via multiple methods to suit their needs

Businesses who apply will work alongside a Business Advisor from the College’s Training and Development team who will initiate the application process and provide a link between client and the College’s team of vastly experienced trainers and lecturers to design a bespoke training programme to meet the strategic goals of the client.

Edinburgh College Head of Commercial Jane Grant said: “We’re excited to be holding this event to allow businesses across our region to begin exploring the free training opportunities available to them through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund.

“Our college has a proven track record in delivering high quality, bespoke training to businesses from a variety of sectors – working across all levels of staff from the boardroom to the shop floor – and we’re looking forward to showcasing our training programmes and teaching expertise to local businesses.”

Register your place for the Virtual Flexible Workforce Development Fund event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flexible-workforce-development-fund-event-tuesday-1-december-2020-tickets-129470918001

Find out more about the Flexible Workforce Development Fund: http://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/newsandevents/flexible-workforce-development-fund/

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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