Swindon’s manufacturers are being urged to take advantage of a £30m Government scheme to give employers the skills they need to realise their growth ambitions.
The scheme – the Employer Ownership Fund – gives employers 50% matched funding for training projects designed to address skills shortages affecting their business. 
The first £20m of the fund is open for employers looking to develop projects aimed at improving engineering careers and increasing the number of women in the sector. The remaining £10m, aimed at developing engineering skills in smaller companies, will be made available soon.
However, manufacturers’ organisation EEF is telling companies to act quickly to avoid missing out – the deadline for applying for funds from the £20m pot is December 5 and funds are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
And with Tomorrow’s Engineers Week underway and giving engineering careers a higher profile, EEF is concern is that some companies could miss out.
Regional director Phil Brownsord said: “With the spotlight on careers in engineering, it’s a good time to remind employers that this funding is available, but may not be for much longer.
“The important thing for companies is that this scheme is simple, easy to access and could fast-track growth plans. Over seven in ten manufacturers say they are going to increase investment in training and recruitment in the next two years. This funding could bring their plans forward, delivering productivity, growth and gainful employment at a much faster rate.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Engineering is central to supporting Britain’s economic growth and maintaining a competitive edge. To make sure this continues we must increase the supply of highly skilled and talented engineers. That’s why we’ve introduced the Employer Ownership Fund which, through match-funding, supports employers to deliver the skills and training they need for their workforce. I would encourage all employers in the engineering industry to consider the benefits the Employer Ownership Fund offers and take the chance to unlock the potential of current and future employees.”
For more information on the Employer Ownership Fund visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employer-ownership-improving-engineering-careers;
