New applications for our Women in Forestry training fund are still welcome, but they will now go on to a waiting list and we will let you know when more funding becomes available.
It has been widely recognised that women have been more impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. To support their access to the workplace, which in turn will help support the resilience of our rural businesses in a challenging economic climate, we are delighted to be working with Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry on delivery of training funds.
The Women in Forestry Practical Training Fund has been established to support the personal development of women, providing them with additional skills to progress their careers and employment opportunities in forestry beyond their current role.
The aim of the fund is to:
- Provide women and girls in Scotland with additional skills to progress their careers
- Open up new employment opportunities for them in forestry beyond their current role
- Support women and girls from the islands and remote rural areas, by providing them with the opportunity to access training, which they would otherwise be unable to do.
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What kind of courses can I apply for?
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Courses eligible for funding are badged as such in Skills Hub Scotland. On a case-by-case basis, we are happy to consider individual modules or units from full-time courses, if they relate to forestry. Other courses available through Skills Hub Scotland or elsewhere will also be considered if you can demonstrate the relevance and value of the training here.
Training outwith Scotland will be supported if there is no Scotland-based equivalent.
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Who is eligible to apply?
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The Women in Forestry Practical Training Fund offers financial support to those resident in Scotland and who are:
- Newcomers who wish to pursue a career within the forestry sector or those who are already working in forestry and want to progress their career
- Those who would have been unable to undertake training without financial support
- Those who would have been unable to undertake a (possibly additional) formal qualification.
Applicants to the Women in Forestry training fund should be over 16 years of age at the time of application.
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Criteria for applications
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The Women in Forestry Practical Training Fund offers financial support to women or girls resident in Scotland who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Working in forestry in Scotland or keen to join the industry
- On a full-time or part-time course relating to the sector.
In your application you should explain how the training will support the development of you or your business. We welcome applications from remote rural and island communities.
While priority will be given to new applicants, you can continue making applications to develop your skills over several months, as long as you only apply for a maximum of one course a month.. -
Funding
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- 100% funding is available for training up to the value of £500 per course
- In exceptional circumstances where you can fully explain the value of the training to you and your business, applications for courses costing in excess of £500 may be considered.
You should wait until you get confirmation of funding from us before you do any training, as we cannot make retrospective payments for training undertaken before approval is granted.
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What will NOT be funded
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The fund is aimed at supporting individual women in forestry who would otherwise not have access to training and development courses.
It is NOT designed to support larger employers, who ought to be investing in the training and development needs of all their staff and should have a staff development budget allocated to cover these needs.Training that would NOT be funded includes:
- that which is a statutory requirement for the individual’s continuing employment
- anything an individual requires to do to retain existing employment
- any training which the Fund advisory group considers that an employer could and should provide for, including training for their current role.
If you would like guidance on eligibility, what you can apply for, or the funding application process, email us.
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How much can I apply for?
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Funding for 100% of costs is available for training up to the value of £500 per course.
Applications for training over the value of £500 will still be accepted and will be assessed depending on the value to the individual or business. These applications will be discussed and reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Review Panel. -
How quickly will I hear back from you?
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Applications over £500 and those which require further discussion will be considered at our fortnightly Review Panel meetings. If we would like you to provide further information, you will be given the opportunity to do so before the panel makes its final decision.
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FAQs
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Can I apply for more than one course?
You can only apply for one course each month, but you can apply for different courses over several months.
What courses are eligible?
Courses eligible for funding carry the Women in Forestry badge. If you can show that a non-badged course provides a skill that is required for your area of forestry work, email us about getting it added to the badged course list.
Can I get funding for a test?
Because this is a training fund, it doesn’t cover standalone tests, but you can apply for funding if your training course includes an assessment or test.
What happens if I am unable to attend the course?
If you fail to attend training with no reasonable notice, you may be liable for the full costs of the replacement booking.
Who will assess my application?
Our Review Panel is made up of a representative from the Scottish Government (which is funding the training), together with representatives from Lantra Scotland who have knowledge of accredited training and delivery. Where required, the panel will draw on internal and external specialist advice.
Is there a deadline for applying?
We are delighted to confirm that Round 2 of funding has now opened for applications and the deadline is 31st January 2024.
Is there a deadline for completing the training?
Once we confirm that you are getting funding, you have six months to complete the training. In exceptional circumstances this may be extended.
Is there anything else I need to know before applying?
You can find the full terms and conditions for applications made through the Skills Hub here.
Applying for the fund
Call us now on 01738 310159 or visit Skills Hub to find out more.