news

SDS training funds now available for larger businesses

28 Jan 2011

A fantastic funds-assisted training opportunity for tourism and hospitality businesses has been extended to include larger organisations. Now businesses of up to 150 employees can apply for the Flexible Training Opportunities (FTO) Fund, which was launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

This means that even more tourism businesses will be able to benefit from these generous training grants. Until recently the funds were only available to small businesses with up to 75 staff.

Training support is paid out for up to 10 employees per business. A maximum of 50% of staff training costs will be paid for, with an overall funding limit of £500 per employee. The money is not a loan so there is no need to pay it back. For example, if training costs £1400, SDS will refund £500. If it costs £400, SDS will refund £200.

The aim is to encourage companies to more effectively train their staff by making training courses more affordable.

Stella Callaghan, Project Manager for Glasgow Service with Style, said: “It's fantastic that the Flexible Training Opportunities scheme has been extended to include businesses with up to 150 staff.

“It’s great that even more tourism and hospitality businesses will now be able to benefit from funding for training, and it's very easy to apply.”

To apply for up to £5,000 worth of funding for your company, call the helpline free on 0800 783 6000, or to find out more details see the Skills Development Scotland website