Employer Guide

£1,500 Training Fund for Paid Placements

This Training Fund is an excellent opportunity for employees on the Paid Work Placement Programme to gain qualifications and skills that will benefit their current job and support their future career goals. £1,500 is available to organisations offering placements through the programme. There are no upfront costs to either the employer or the employee, and once approved, GCVS will directly pay for the agreed-upon training.

What Training Can Be Funded?

This fund supports training that will benefit the employee’s career development. Eligible training can include:

• Developing transferrable skills that improve employability.
• Sector-specific qualifications that align with the employee’s current role or career goals.

Please note that this training fund is available in addition to the £250 already provided to cover costs under the original fund agreement.

The training must:

• Be provided by a reputable provider (you can verify via Companies House or Google).
• Offer value for money — it should help the employee achieve their career goals and support their progress.
• Be aligned with the employee’s learning style and future career goals.

Organisations should encourage employees to take an active role in identifying training that will help them achieve their personal career objectives. They should feel confident in selecting something that suits their growth.

Excluded Training:

• Training that is mandatory for the employee’s current role (if applicable).
• Courses already covered by other funding sources (e.g., DWP, SAAS, Glasgow Guarantee).

Funding Details:

• Up to £1,500 per employee.
• Employees can apply for multiple courses, as long as the total funding doesn’t exceed the £1,500 limit (additional funding may be considered with a strong justification).

Can other types of support be funded?

In addition to training, the fund can be used for:

• Equipment
• Travel costs
• Short-term or one-off childcare expenses

This support must:

• Be provided by a reputable business/organisation.
• Offer value for money and support the employee’s progression in work.

Ongoing childcare or support already covered by other programs (e.g., DWP Access to Work) cannot be funded.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Key Worker Support
   The employee’s Key Worker will guide you and the employee throughout the entire process. They will:
   Help identify suitable training and support options that match the employee’s career goals.
   Assist with completing the application for the training fund.

2. Employee Choice
   Encourage the employee to select training that is meaningful to their career development and aligns with their learning style. This fund is an empowering opportunity for the employee to take ownership of their own career growth.
3. No Upfront Costs
   There are no upfront costs for the employer or employee. Once the training has been approved, GCVS will pay for the training directly.

The Key Worker will complete the application process on behalf of the employee, and once approved, the agreed-upon training will be funded.

For help and advice

The Key Worker is the main point of contact for this process. They will:

• Guide the employee through selecting appropriate training.
• Assist with the application and paperwork.
• Ensure the training or support is aligned with the employee’s career goals and development.

For other enquiries related to the Paid Work Placements programme please contact us at pwp@gcvs.org.uk