The New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (New FWDF) is a Scottish Government initiative that enables employers to access up to £15,000 of funding towards training for employees earning less than £33,000 per year.
Running from August 2026 to December 2027, the New FWDF initiative contributes to Scotland’s mission to increase earned incomes and eradicate child poverty. This targeted investment equips colleges to upskill in-work parents, carers, young people, and other priority groups, boosting household incomes for those in, or at risk of, in-work poverty. Simultaneously, it helps employers to close skills gaps, adopt Fair Work practices, and drive business productivity.
This fund is specifically aimed at low-income parents, carers, disabled and care-experienced young people within the workforce, and employer partnership is essential.
Funding is for 2026-27 only at this stage. Future funding is subject to confirmation by the Scottish Government.
Who is eligible for funded training?
The New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (New FWDF) is open to workers with an individual annual income below £33,000 who are either…
- Parents or carers of a child aged under 18 living at home.
- Individuals aged under 24.
- Care-experienced individuals aged under 30.
- Disabled individuals aged under 30.
What are the benefits?
- Reduce training costs by accessing funded learning opportunities for your workforce.
- Identify and address skills gaps to support business growth and productivity.
- Provide continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities to help employees enhance their skills and advance their careers.
- Improve staff retention by offering reskilling and retraining opportunities that support long-term career development.