Higher level skills opportunities for business in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Call title – Innovation in Higher Level Skills

Up to £1.95 million is now available through the European Social Fund (ESF) to support higher level skills development in business in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

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.

Employers are being given the opportunity to identify higher level skill business needs, and propose innovative solutions to development and delivery.  The emphasis of the funding is on employers being at the forefront of the work, ensuring they and their staff get what they need to enable workforce development and business growth.

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 focus of this opportunity is on level 4 and above qualifications.  Delivery solutions will need to be flexible to ensure access to skills and education is available to all who wish to participate.  This could involve delivery on business premises, evening courses or online digital programmes.

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-oc05s16p0402

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 £1,950,000 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