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Flexible Workforce Development Fund

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund* allows organisations to access funding to provide low or no cost training to upskill and reskill their existing workforce, through a vast range of high-quality provision with The Open University (OU) in Scotland, the only higher education institute that has access to this fund.

Small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) across Scotland can access training up to the value of £5,000, provided by the OU to support staff development.

Apprenticeship Levy-paying employers across Scotland can access training up to the value of £15,000 provided by the OU to support staff development.

How to apply

Get in touch


Tell us about your organisation and your skills needs.

Develop training plan


Our team will work with you to discuss your best route forward.

Complete application


We’ll help you through the process and provide guidance every step of the way.

Register your employees


Your employees will be able to sign up and begin their learning.

Are you ready to utilise the fund in your organisation and apply? Click 'Book a meeting' and one of our team will be in touch.

If you would prefer to get some further information about the Flexible Workforce Development Fund and how it could unlock potential in your organisation then click 'Find out more'.

Find out more
Book a meeting

What training is available?

Our training options focus on areas reflecting Scotland’s skills priorities:

Please note that we are continuing to develop our portfolio of training available to SMEs from the OU through the FWDF, so additional new courses will become available.

business leaders
Business Leadership
Computing & Digital Technologies
Digital Marketing & Marketing
Education
Environment, Climate Change & Sustainability
Finance
Female on laptop
Health & Social Care
Languages
People Management
Project Management
 

Additionally, employers – and their communities – are readily able to access our extensive range of free informal learning resources available via our OpenLearn platform to support lifelong learning, with individuals able to gain statements of participation and digital badges.

Want to know more about how upskilling your employees through the FWDF with the OU works? Read Euan’s story from Hogganfield Care and Skye Care and how he has utilised it to secure fully-funded, high quality training for his teams.

* The Flexible Workforce Fund is operated through the Scottish Funding Council on behalf of the Scottish Government.

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Case study

Learn more about upskilling your employees through FWDF with The Open University.

Find out more

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