LEP Calls for Learning Providers to Apply for Funds

New Government funding is available for projects related to skills and training – and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP is urging organisations in the area to come forward and apply for grants.

Grants could help pay for building or refurbishing buildings, buying new training equipment, projects to improve delivery using digital technologies, or investments to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency in existing educational facilities.

The new funding is part of the £900 million Getting Building Fund which the Government confirmed last week to deliver jobs, skills and infrastructure across the country.

This investment is being targeted in areas facing the biggest economic challenges as a result of the pandemic to boost economic growth and fuel local recovery and jobs.

The Greater Lincolnshire LEP secured an allocation of £25.8m to support six projects, one of which is the new Skills Capital Programme, which will receive £7.6m to build on the impact of the Skills Capital Investment Fund previously supported through the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Growth Deal programme.

The LEP is seeking to fund a range of skills-driven projects and expects to receive applications both large and small from across Greater Lincolnshire. The minimum project value is £200,000.

“We are extremely pleased to have support from the Government for a further Skills Capital Programme in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland,” said Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.

“As we move through this difficult time we need to provide training that supports future growth and enables resilience. Investment in intangible assets like skills and innovation directly benefits key sectors, local employers and supply chains and helps to diversify our overall further and higher education offer.”

Applicants must be post-16 colleges or training organisations located in the Greater Lincolnshire LEP area which are on the Register of Learning Providers with the Education and Skills Funding Agency in the current academic year.

All funds must be spent by March 2022, and all outcomes must be delivered by 2025, so schemes need to be well progressed in terms of design, planning and match funding.

The LEP is now welcoming business cases. More information and the business case template can be found here and the closing date for submissions is 5pm on 8th September 2020.