Workforce skills support for businesses

Funding to help residents gain qualifications and apprenticeships, while supporting businesses to address skills gaps and workforce shortages. This programme can support:

• recruitment into priority sectors
• upskilling existing employees
• engagement with people who are economically inactive or not currently in employment or training

Best suited for businesses facing persistent recruitment or skills shortages.

Fully funded numeracy training for employees who do not yet hold a Level 2 maths qualification. This support can help businesses:

• improve employee confidence and capability
• support progression into skilled roles
• strengthen productivity in roles where numeracy is essential

Best suited for employers investing in workforce progression and inclusion.

Flexible, short-course training designed to rapidly build job-ready skills in key sectors. Skills Bootcamps can support:

• upskilling current staff
• recruiting new, trained employees
• responding quickly to emerging skills needs

Training is co-designed with employers and delivered by approved providers.

Dedicated support to help you develop a strong future workforce.

Through the Trailblazer, you’ll be able to access specialist support to help you connect with motivated young people who are keen to learn, work and grow, people who share your values and are looking for the right opportunity to get started.

Dedicated support to help employers connect with motivated young people aged 18–21 and build a stronger future workforce. The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer can help businesses:

• offer short placements, job shadowing, or live projects with structured support
• promote vacancies and recruit from a local talent pool
• access templates, induction planning support, and mentoring/supervision training

Best suited for employers who want to develop entry-level talent and strengthen recruitment routes into the business.

Specialist support to help manufacturing and engineering businesses adopt digital technologies. Made Smarter offers:

• expert advice on digital adoption
• support to identify appropriate technologies
• guidance to improve efficiency and competitiveness

Best suited for businesses looking to modernise operations and processes.

A practical framework to help employers improve job quality, support retention, and strengthen organisational performance.

• review and improve employment practices against clear standards
• attract and retain staff in a competitive labour market
• support wellbeing, flexibility, and progression in a structured way

Best suited for employers looking to strengthen workforce resilience and long-term performance.