Details

Running from August 2026 to December 2027, the New FWDF initiative contributes to Scotland’s mission to increase earned incomes and eradicate child poverty by investing in colleges. 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.

The key objectives of this funding are to:

• Break the cycle of poverty: Support parents/carers in low-income households to enter, sustain, and progress in employment by providing college-based, employment-focused learning opportunities. These should be timetabled in a family-friendly way. This should equip people with skills to enter or progress in work, fostering collaborative multi-agency partnerships, and supporting existing ESOL provision in colleges.
• Provide “wraparound” support: Deliver holistic “Whole Family Support” to address structural barriers like childcare and transport, ensuring learner choice and direct upskilling opportunities for low-paid workers are available to drive career progression.

Funding is for 2026-27 only at this stage. Future funding is subject to confirmation by the Scottish Government.

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Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant, Other resources

Type of cost:

Revenue

Fund award sizes

Maximum:

Premium information

Annually awarded:

Premium information

Notes on award amounts:

Premium information

Who can apply

The New FWDF is available to all employers in Scotland across the public, private and third sectors. Employers must operate in Scotland and be implementing Fair Work practices or, if not yet doing so, be committed to working towards doing so.

Funded training opportunities are open only 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, or care-experienced/disabled individuals aged under 30.

When to apply

The funding will run from August 2026 to December 2027.

How to apply

Individuals can apply directly to their college. Colleges should proactively promote the fund to the six priority family groups at greatest risk of poverty. Applications can be made by either an employer or an individual worker.

Contact information

Activites funded: Education and training Employability services Organisational development and capacity building

Beneficiaries funded: Carers Children Economically/socially disadvantaged Care experienced people People in poverty Disabilities Learning disabilities Physical disabilities Voluntary sector organisations Young people

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Last reviewed 18 days ago