The WITForum bids for funding from various sources to support its members in training their staff and raising the skill levels of the industry. We also offer a range of training solutions for which these funds can be claimed.
In 2013, we have access to the folloowing funds:
- Qualifying the Workforce: On-Site Assessment and Training (to access training and achieve NVQ qualifications for your current staff)
- Fire Door Diploma ( the industry qualification to qualify the Fire Door Industry)
- CNC Training (support for both apprentices, new-qualified apprentices, and exp[eriecned workers to gain skills in CNC machines)
1. Qualifying the Workforce: OSAT
The WITForum was successful in acheiving grant from the ConstructionSkills Qualifying the Workforce Fund. This pot of money is to help get more employees qualified within joinery and woodworking businesses within the UK, and will be distributed through the BWF's OSAT (On-Site Assessment and Training) Scheme, which also draws down ghovernment funding and in-scope CITB members can also draw down funding from the standard grant scheme.
There are three streams of funding available through the BWF OSAT: Government, BWF WITForum, and CITB-ConstructionSkills.
Government Funding
- Level 2 qualifications in OSAT can attract 100% government funding for employees that are 19-23 years old and do not currently hold a qualfiication at Level 2 or above in any discipline. England only.
- Level 2 qualifications in OSAT can attract 50% government funding for employees that are 19-23 years old but currently hold a qualification at Level 2 or above and are emlpoyed in an SME company with less than 250 employees. England only.
- Level 3 and above qualifications in OSAT do not attract any government funding. England only.
Please note: these rates are guidlines only and are subject to change and other eligibility requirements. On application we can assertain specifically your eligbility beofre commencing any programme. This is also based on taking the OSAT programme through our approved training provider, Didac Ltd, who hold the contract for these government funds. Choosing another provider does not guarentee these figures.
BWF WITForum Funding
A grant of £375 is available if a company meets the following conditions:
- A member of the BWF or WITForum
- In-scope and registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills
- The candidate undertaking OSAT is not being 100% funded by government funds
CITB-ConstructionSkills Grants
- Companies can claim £400 for a Level 2 or 3 OSAT qualfiication once if has been achieved, through the normal grant scheme process.
- Companies can claim £650 for a Level 4+ OSAT qualfiication once if has been achieved, through the normal grant scheme process.
- Companies that pay an annual levy, and submit CITB returns on time, are also eligible for the supplimentary grant on top of 22%
These grants are avaiable to those companies that are in-scope and registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills and have submitted their CITB levy returns by the advertised date. These grants are payable regardless of government funding entitlement.
You can see the OSAT programmes available here
This fund will also support the BWF's efforts to increase apprenticeship take up within the joinery industry, offering guidance to both employers and potential entrants about how to become an apprentice and the progression routes.
2. Fire Door Diploma Support
There are funds available, thanks to a bid secured through CITB-ConstructionSkills, to support companies wishing to put their staff through the Fire Door Diploma run by the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS)
£100 grant support is available (bringing the cost of the Diploma down to £200+VAT) for companies that meeting the following conditions:
- A member of the BWF, BWF-CERTIFIRE or WITForum
- In-scope and registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills
A company that meets these conditions can claim a miximum of three grants in 2013 for its staff to take the qualification. There is limited grant available so To apply for this grant and qualification, please do not apply online, but call Neil Ashdown, FDIS General Manager, on 0844 801 1518.
3. CNC Training Support
Funding is available to fully support training in CNC skills for apprentices, new qualified apprentices and experienced workers, delivered by SCM (UK) Ltd in a 5-day course which covers programming and practical use of the machines. This funding is provided thanks to CITB-ConstructionSkills.
The programme is fully funded, including course fees, accomodation and travel expenses, and can be claimed by companies that meet the following criteria:
- A member of the BWF or WITForum
- In-scope and registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills
For more information, to apply and for dates, please visit the CNC Training Page.
