Grants to Boost Tools for Vocational Training During COVID-19 Disruption

Emergency funding is being offered in support of the UK’s vocational learning sector, enabling those in work or training to continue engaging with their learning during this period of travel disruption.

With coronavirus (COVID -19) rapidly transforming the way millions of people across the UK work and learn, the Ufi VocTech Trust has announced a new funding call for 2020. VocTech Now has been prompted by the unprecedented situation vocational trainers and their learners are experiencing. 

Funding is available for projects that will last no longer than three months. Ufi wishes to hear from vocational learning providers who have an idea for how they can use technology to deliver fast results for its learners online, but who need support to get their idea up-and-running.

Grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 are available to support vocational learning providers to rapidly transition to remote teaching and training and deliver accessible learning at this time of significant change.

Ufi is looking for projects which will impact immediately on existing learners, with the potential for further roll out to an even greater number. It therefore anticipates working with established vocational training providers. Eligible organisations include employers, colleges and other existing learning providers, charities and trade bodies throughout the UK.

The money can be used to fund the staff time, contractors, suppliers and resources needed to take the idea to a position where it can operate, and continue to scale, when Ufi funding ends.

Rebecca Garrod-Waters, CEO for Ufi VocTech Trust, said:

‘Many small businesses and organisations who deliver vocational learning will have had their services – and businesses – devastated by the current situation.

‘While many will have delivered their services in face to face environments, all will now be required to make a wholesale shift to an online service.

‘ … What Ufi is focused on doing, through VocTech Now, is to support vocational training and learning organisations through this transition.’

The deadline for submission of Stage 1 applications is 6 April 2020 (17:00 BST).

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.

GRANTfinder is closely monitoring all the relevant news about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the consequences for the funding landscape. This dedicated page will keep you updated on which funds and extra support have been announced to counteract the impact of the outbreak.