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ScotAction

ScotAction is the Scottish Government's skills support package for leading Scotland out of recession and on to economic growth.

ScotAction is an integrated package combining new and improved measures to help individuals and businesses through the recession and will provide skills assistance - including wage subsidies in some circumstances - for training for work, training in work and training from work to work to help Scottish people and businesses survive the downturn and thrive when the economy starts to recover.

Adopt an Apprentice

This scheme will help deliver on the Scottish Government's guarantee to apprentices to find them alternative employment so that they can complete their Modern Apprenticeship (MA). The scheme gives you a £2,000 lump sum payment to help with wage costs of taking on a redundant apprentice for at least 12 months.

Safeguard an Apprentice

Following consultation with sector skills representatives, the Safeguard an Apprentice programme is coming to an end this autumn, while support through Adopt an Apprentice will continue.

The Safeguard programme, part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), was introduced in November 2009. It was set up to support construction and engineering businesses unable to continue to employ their Modern Apprentices during the acute phase of the economic downturn. Funding was provided in order to allow the apprenticeships to be completed.

Following a steady reduction in demand, the programme will draw to a close on September 30 2011. Programmes such as Modern Apprenticeships, the Adopt an Apprentice scheme and Flexible Training Opportunities continue to respond to employer needs as articulated through industry bodies. Applications will be accepted up to and including Friday 23rd September 2011.

This financial year SDS will contribute funding to 25,000 new Modern Apprenticeships across around 80 different occupational frameworks. Adopt an Apprentice offers a financial incentive to businesses which can offer a job to an apprentice made redundant part-way through his or her course. FTOs offer funding to upskill existing workforces.

Alliance of Sector Skills Councils

The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils is an organisation comprising all 25 licensed UK Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) - the employer-driven organisations that together articulate the voice of the employers of around 90% of the UK's workforce on skills issues.

Its core purpose is to:

  • act as the collective voice of the SSCs
  • promote understanding of the role of SSCs within the skills system across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
  • co-ordinate policy positions and strategic work on skills with stakeholders across the four home nations
  • help build the performance capability of the SSCs to ensure they continue to work effectively on the employer-driven skills agenda.

Chambers of Commerce

Scotland's regional chambers of commerce provide a range of services, support and advocacy to a network of members and ensure that the interests of the local business community are heard.

Business Gateway

Business Gateway provides online advice and information on a range of issues for both start up and existing businesses.

With a combination of expert advice, online support and a local programme of workshops and events, Business Gateway can help your business grow and prosper - even in tough economic times.

We can help you create a Growth Action Plan which identifies areas you need to work on to make your business grow stronger. You can also find useful guides, tools and resources on how to grow your business.

Talentmap

Talentmap provides a simple framework for employers to navigate the education, employment and skills systems in the UK - and find the funding and support they need.

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