Workforce skills support
Background Workforce Skills Support aims to help small businesses invest in training and skills development, clearly making the link between workforce development and business development. This assistance is not just about employees gaining qualifications, but more about supporting small businesses to deliver their business plan, to achieve market advantage and generate an economic impact on the local area. Next Step Following initial contact with us we will allocate a case officer and/or and independent advisor to work with you to progress your proposal ensuring that you develop a Business Plan, Workforce Training Needs Analysis and a Training and Development Plan. A structured training plan should be an integral part of your business plan in terms of ensuring that your people, who are probably your most important resource, are fully equipped to deliver your company's objectives. Criteria HIE Inverness and East Highland currently prioritises the following sectors for assistance: Construction, Manufacturing, Tourism, Knowledge-based businesses, Biomendical and Voluntary sectors where staff are employed. Each case is assessed on its own merits and requests for financial assistance will be subject to a full case appraisal. Financial assistance is not available for training that is statutory or legislative or courses that are considered to be of good working practice such as First Aid and H&S. S/NVQ’s that are be required to be implemented by law will not be considered. Costs relating to continuing professional development, Academic Qualifications and the renewal of certificates are also not eligible for financial assistance. We cannot assist with costs that relate to travel and subsistence. Whilst financial assistance will not be awarded on every occasion we will however, endeavour to provide free and confidential advice where applicable. HIE Inverness and East Highland also offer subsidised rates for a range of Business Development courses through Business Skills Seminars and our Management Training Programme. Please ask for leaflets for further information. Funding If HIE Inverness and East Highland is to consider your proposal for financial assistance our appraisal process will require you to produce a copy of your latest Financial Accounts, Quotes and Course syllabus for the training identified in your development plan. It is important to remember that we cannot offer financial assistance if training has already started so please contact us at an early date. Note: We cannot assist towards publicly funded organisations, academic qualifications or travel and subsistence costs. For more information please contact a member of staff in our Customer Services Team.
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