Flexible skills programme subsidy scheme

If you are using this scheme to provide awards of subsidy, you must inform the Subsidy Control Unit – email: scu@gov.wales.

Wales

Flexible Skills Programme

Government of Wales Act 2006, Section 60 (1)

Skills shortages are a persistent challenge across industries in Wales, affecting productivity, innovation, and business growth. The Flexible Skills Programme Subsidy Scheme will provide funding towards the costs of training an employer's staff with a strong focus on reducing skills gaps in priority sectors and business themed areas.

Through the administering of a flexible training grant, Wales-based employers will be able to access funding which will empower them to upskill their workforces, driving enhanced productivity, efficiency, and profitability while delivering lasting economic benefit to the nation.

Welsh Government

Private and third sector enterprises of any size, and based in any area of Wales, are eligible to apply for support under the scheme. Companies may operate in any industry sector, so long as it is legal and in line with Welsh Government ministerial priorities at the time of application for support.

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing
• Manufacturing
• Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
• Construction
• Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
• Accommodation and food service activities
• Information and communication
• Financial and insurance activities
• Professional, scientific and technical activities
• Administrative and support service activities
• Education
• Human health and social work activities
• Arts, entertainment and recreation
• Other service activities

From 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2031.

£37,500,000

Direct Grant

Funding will be available to employers operating in the vast majority of industries across Wales. The operations carried out by the business must be legal and acceptable to the Welsh Ministers.

Any enterprise applying for support must be based in Wales, solvent and must commit to release staff to undertake the requested training.

There is no requirement to use any particular training company – the applicant may choose any certified training provider – but any supported training under this scheme must either be accredited or to a recognised industry standard.

Funding awards are discretionary and the final decision on eligibility rests with the Welsh Government.

Private and third sector enterprises of any size, and based in any area of Wales, are eligible to apply for support under the Scheme. Companies may operate in any industry sector, so long as it is legal and in line with Welsh Government Ministerial priorities at the time of application for support.

A standard intervention rate of 50% will apply to all employers / enterprises, regardless of size, with a maximum award to any applicant not exceeding £500,000 in a financial year. Each application for support under this scheme will be considered on its own merits, but will take into account the overall cost and quality of the training to be supported.

£500,000

For more information about applying for support under this scheme, please visit: Recruit and Train: Flexible Skills Programme expression of interest form

or email DFESRM@gov.wales

For more information about this scheme’s compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022, please contact: