The Flexible Workforce Development Fund
City of Glasgow College is delighted to announce the launch of the New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (New FWDF) 2026-27.
The New FWDF is backed by a £10 million Scottish Government investment, which is strictly aligned with the third Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan (Bringing Hope, Building Futures 2026–2031). This fund specifically targets increasing earned incomes and reducing in-work poverty by upskilling parents, carers, and vulnerable demographic groups within the Scottish workforce. The fund will open in August 2026 and close in December 2027.
This Scottish Government-funded initiative provides employers across Scotland with access to up to £15,000 of fully funded training to help address skills shortages, improve productivity and support workforce development. Eligible individuals can also apply for up to £5,000 of funded training.
The fund has been designed to support lower-income workers, parents and carers, and individuals facing barriers to progression, helping employers invest in their people while contributing to Scotland's ambition to tackle child poverty.
What does the funding offer?
- Up to £15,000 of fully funded training per employer.
- Up to £5,000 per eligible employee.
- Flexible, work-friendly delivery.
- Accredited and certificated programmes.
- Open to employers of all sizes across the public, private and third sectors.
Training can be tailored to meet your organisation's specific skills needs and delivered by our experienced team at City of Glasgow College.
Please be aware that funding is limited and allocated regionally, so we encourage employers to register their interest early.
Which employers are eligible?
The fund is universally accessible to all employers of any size across the public, private, and third (voluntary) sectors, provided they meet two conditions:
- The business/organisation must operate physically within Scotland.
- Employers must already implement Fair Work practices or formally commit to actively working towards them as a condition of the funding agreement.
Which individuals are eligible?
To qualify, individual workers must have an annual income below £33,000 and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Parents or carers of a child aged under 18 living at home.
- Individuals aged under 24.
- Care-experienced or disabled individuals aged under 30.
To discuss your workforce development needs or apply for the New FWDF, please email our Business Development Team or call us 0141 375 5494.