European Social Fund (ESF) grants – what happens if there’s a ‘no deal’ Brexit?

Acacia Training offers a range of health and social care courses which are fully funded by European Social Fund (ESF) grants – but what happens in a ‘no deal’ Brexit?

Under the withdrawal agreement, all ESF programmes would be fully funded under the current 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework. In July 2018 the government confirmed it would guarantee ESF projects that would have been funded by the EU under the 2014-2020 programme period.

The guarantee provides additional certainty to communities, businesses and local partners, guaranteeing investment in growth up to the end of the current ESF programme period, in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

UK organisations in approved projects should continue delivering activity as contracted and carry on making claims for payment promptly.

What does this mean for ESF funded courses?

This means you can still apply for our ESF funded level 2 health and social care qualifications. You can access through Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW), a programme developed to upskill employees within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We provide recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance your employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of your business and boost the local economy. Acacia Training is part of Serco’s network of expert organisations chosen to deliver the SSW programme in your area in partnership with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP). Because SSW is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), we can support your workforce at no extra cost to your business.

Acacia Training also offers a range of unit bundles which specialise in certain areas. For example, dementia care (allowing for some learners to become Dementia Champions in their workplace), safeguarding and end of life care. For more information about these bundles, please email sales@acaciatraining.co.uk.

There is also an option to progress onto an apprenticeship qualification. Acacia Training is particularly looking to increase the skill levels of employed women to help employers address gender employment and wage gap, increase the skill levels of the employed to at least the next level up to encourage progression within the workforce.

What’s the difference between a level 2 diploma and a level 2 apprenticeship?

A level 2 Diploma is fully funded by the ESF and will take a shorter time to complete, ensuring the learner receives all relevant skills/knowledge within their role, whilst encouraging progression within the workforce to a level 3 apprenticeship. This this gives the learner fantastic progression and career opportunities.

Acacia Training completes a training needs analysis with each employer to assess the training needs of their staff and recommend the most suitable training opportunities to ensure enhanced knowledge and progression in the role. Learners need to be employed unless they have been made redundant in the last three months.

To find out how you can train your staff with our fully funded level 2 health and social care qualifications, get in touch today on 01782 646346.