£1.2m funding launched for free training for Yorkshire SMEs

Over a million pounds of funding has been secured to support employers across Yorkshire to access free training for their staff.

Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme has secured a further £1.2m of funding for firms across York, North Yorkshire and East Riding.

The SSW programme, which was developed to upskill employees in SMEs and micro-businesses across York, North Yorkshire and East Riding, has secured a funding extension to support the region’s businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helen Howland, head of the Skills Support for the Workforce programme in York, North Yorkshire and East Riding, commented: “Over the last few months, a large number of businesses in the region have found themselves in an uncertain position, as they have had to pause their operations or have seen a reduction in sales interest.

“However, the Skills Support for the Workforce programme provides these businesses with an opportunity to face their future with confidence.

“This funding is vital for not only filling the existing skills gaps within the region, but also helping businesses that have suffered as a result of Covid-19, including those going through restructuring.”

Jude Knight, senior skills strategy manager at the York and North Yorkshire LEP, added: “The programme’s extension could not have come at a better time.

“The pandemic has created many challenges for businesses within the region. Thanks to the free skills training from the SSW programme, this gives businesses options to upskill their workforce, improving productivity at a critical time.”