Growth Programme will support skills development and business growth in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Call title – Specialist Skills for the Future Economy

Up to £4,36 million is now available through the European Social Fund (ESF) to develop skills in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This opportunity will support individuals to further their knowledge, skills and competencies through education and training.  The funding forms part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme, building on Convergence funding to deliver economic regeneration for the region from 2014-2020.

The activity will be directed towards businesses that work in areas that have been identified as “SMART Specialisation Areas”.  These are areas of business that offer Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly great opportunities to grow the economy, create jobs and become industry leaders.  These areas are e-health and e-wellbeing, marine technologies, agri-tech, digital economy and, space and aerospace.

Sandra Rothwell, representing the Local Enterprise Partnership on the Integrated Territorial Investment Board, said: ‘This call is geared to meeting the skills needs of our future economy and focuses on areas of potential growth where we already have a competitive advantage. These needs will range from upskilling people in traditional sectors like agriculture to delivering entirely new skills and ensuring that we have a pipeline of talent to sustain economic growth.’

Priorities for ESF are to increase labour market participation, promote social inclusion and develop the skills of the potential and existing workforce.  The project will help participants achieve level 3 and above, technical and job specific skills qualifications as well as higher level research qualifications, including PhDs and Masters programmes. These skills will in turn help individuals to progress through the workforce and support business growth.

Applicant Support

Potential applicants / applicants may wish to take advantage of information and support services funded through ESF Technical Assistance and available to assist the design and development of compliant projects / applications for ESF. Details of your local Technical Assistance funded project can be found at

www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk/where-to-go-for-help

Full details about this funding opportunity and the application process can be found at https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/skills-for-growth-project-call-in-cornwall-isles-of-scilly-lep-oc05s16p0401

Further information about the European Social Fund can be found at www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk/fund/esf

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Notes to editor

Contact
Alex Ledbrooke
Engagement Officer, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ITI Support Team (European Structural and Investment Funds)

Mobile – 07854 039960
Email – aledbrooke@cornwall.gov.uk
Website – www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
Twitter – @GrowthProgramme

Economic Development and Culture
Cornwall Council
Level 5, Zone A
Pydar House
Pydar Street
Truro
TR1 1XU

European Social Fund

The project is receiving up to £4,368,000 of funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions is the Managing Authority for the England ESF programme. Established by the European Union ESF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, skills development, job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding