European Social Fund Open Calls Launch

Organisations from the public, private and voluntary sector across the SEMLEP area are invited to apply for two Open Calls to support the upskilling of the workforce and encouraging SMEs to engage with the skills agenda.  

£481,467 of ESF will be available for projects under ESF Investment Priority 2.1 ‘Enhancing equal access to lifelong-learning’ through SME’s workforce development and acquisition of higher and basic skills.  The call also supports projects that aim to increase the managerial and leadership skills’ levels of employed women.  For further information about this call, including SEMLEP local priorities and how to apply, please click here to visit: Upskilling the Workforce: project call in South East Midlands LEP area (OC31S16P0393)

£1,106,324 of ESF will be available for projects under ESF Investment Priority 2.2 ‘Improving the labour market relevance of education and training systems’ through active engagement of relevant institutions and employers, particularly SMEs and micro-businesses. Activities may include: capacity building in SMEs for skills planning, awareness raising as well as enabling SMEs to take on apprentices, trainees or graduates.  For further information about this call, including SEMLEP local priorities, and how to apply, please click here to visit Addressing the skills gap: project call in South East Midlands Lep Area (OC31S16P0394) 

Both calls have a minimum project size of £50,000 ESF; applicants will need to source 50% of the total project cost from a source other than the European Union.  
Outline applications must be submitted by 24 January 2017.

N.B. Individuals and sole traders are not eligible for ESF Funding. 

If you would like to discuss your project idea and require support, please contact: Sandra.Turner@semlep.com or  Jane.Roemer@semlep.com or call us on 01234 436100.