Fully funded learning opportunities for parents and carers at Borders College

Parents and carers across Scotland may be able to access fully funded training and qualifications through a range of funding programmes available at Borders College.

These opportunities are designed to help eligible individuals gain qualifications, develop new skills, progress within their current role or take the next step towards a new career. Depending on individual circumstances, support with travel and childcare costs may also be available.

Who can apply?

Funding may be available to parents and carers with an individual annual income of less than £33,000.

Applications are welcome from all eligible parents and carers. Priority will be given to:

• Lone parent families
• Families with a disabled adult or child
• Larger families with three or more children
• Minority ethnic families
• Families with a child under one year old
• Families with mothers under the age of 25

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria is encouraged to explore the learning opportunities available.

Funding options available

RISE Fund

The Raising Income through Skills and Education (RISE) Fund supports parents and carers to develop new skills through flexible training opportunities designed to fit around family life.

To be eligible for the RISE Fund, applicants must:

• Live in Scotland full time, including those with refugee status or who are asylum seekers
• Be a parent or carer
• Have a child living at home who is under 18 years old
• Earn an individual income below £33,000

Training Access Fund (TAF)

The Training Access Fund (TAF) provides employed parents and carers with access to fully funded skills training, helping them enhance qualifications, develop new skills and progress in their careers.

To be eligible for the TAF, applicants must:

• Live in Scotland full time, including those with refugee status or who are asylum seekers
• Be a parent or carer
• Have a child living at home who is under 18 years old
• Earn an individual income below £33,000

New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF)

The New Flexible Workforce Development Fund supports parents, carers and young people in employment to develop new skills and improve their career prospects. The fund also encourages employers to invest in workforce training that meets business needs while helping employees gain valuable qualifications and progress in their roles.

Please note: This funding programme is separate from the original Flexible Workforce Development Fund introduced in 2017.

Find out more

Anyone interested in learning more or discussing available opportunities can contact the Skills Funding team:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01896 662600

Further information and registration details are available through the Borders College website.