Home / Business / Skills & Employability / Upskilling Fund

Employee Upskilling Fund

This funding is designed to upskill current employees and facilitate their transition into new or improved roles within their organisation.

Why is This Funding Available

In response to current labour market shortages, the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is offering local businesses the opportunity to apply for funding to upskill existing employees to help ease some of the challenges being faced around sourcing appropriately skilled labour.

Please read the full guidance notes before completing the online application form below.

Application forms should be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 21 February 2025.

How Can Upskilling Help You?

Meet Gavin Magee, Duty Manager at Dunadry Hotel. He is our Hospitality Ambassador here at Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership.

Gavin Magee began his career in the hospitality sector at the age of 16, starting at Dunadry Hotel and Gardens. His passion for hospitality grew over time, leading him to pursue in-work training opportunities with Babcock. He completed his level 2 and 3 qualifications, which served as stepping stones for further development. Encouraged by Babcock, the business apprenticeship programme, Gavin embarked on supervisory training and later enrolled in Belfast Metropolitan College, where he obtained a Foundation Degree in International Hospitality Management.

Gavin finds his role at the hotel to be a perfect fit for his personality. He enjoys the daily tasks and the little touches that make a difference. Interacting with guests and seeing the joy on their faces when they visit the hotel brings him immense satisfaction. He takes pride in being there for guests during both their happiest moments and their most challenging times, such as funerals, providing comfort and support to make their experience more manageable.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Gavin's role is the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds. He believes this exposure enriches his experience and broadens his understanding of different walks of life.

For those looking to follow a similar career path, Gavin advises reaching out to the local Labour Market Partnership (LMP) for support and guidance. He emphasises the importance of seeking opportunities for skill development and progression, as well as utilising available resources to secure employment and pursue a fulfilling career.

Testimonial - Advanced NI Scaffolding

"I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for the support provided through the Upskilling Fund. The impact it has had on our company, Advanced NI Scaffolding, has been truly transformative.

"Since receiving the funding, we have been able to employ 6 additional roles implement a comprehensive training program that has significantly enhanced the skills of our workforce. This investment in upskilling has led to several key improvements within our organisation:

Increased Productivity: Our employees are now more proficient in their roles, leading to a noticeable increase in productivity. The enhanced skills have enabled us to complete projects more efficiently and to a higher standard.
Enhanced Safety: Safety is paramount in the scaffolding industry. The training funded by the Upskilling Fund has ensured that our team is up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and best practices, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer working environment.
Employee Satisfaction: Investing in our employees' development has had a positive impact on morale and job satisfaction. Our team feels valued and appreciated, knowing that we are committed to their professional growth.
Competitive Advantage: The upskilling initiative has given us a competitive edge in the market. Our clients have noticed the improved quality of our work, leading to increased trust and more business opportunities.

"We are immensely grateful for the council’s support in making this possible. The Upskilling Fund has not only benefited our employees and our company but also contributed to the broader industry standards.

"We look forward to continuing our partnership and exploring further opportunities to enhance the skills of our workforce. Thank you once again for your invaluable support."

Useful Contacts

Economic Development Team

Tel: 0300 123 4568

Email Economic Development Team

Business Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Contact Name:
Contact Position:
Email Address:
Telephone Number:
VAT Registered:	Yes No
Please provide a short description of your business:
Are you currently struggling to recruit and retain staff:	Yes No
Why do you need or what benefit will the training bring to your organisation:
Business Size:	Medium Small / Micro
Staff Headcount:
Turnover (Last Financial Year):
Balance Sheet Total (Last Financial Year):
Current Role of Potential Upskilled Trainee:
Potential New Role:
Current Employee Salary:
Potential Employee Salary after Training:
Training Required:	Please be as specific as possible when entering the type of training provided. For example, a warehouse operative undertakes Forklift driving and manages to secure a better paid position within the same company as a forklift driver. This potentially creates an opportunity for the company to recruit new warehouse staff.
Number of People:
Related Expenditure (Licence fee, medical etc.):
Unit Cost (Net):
Total Cost (Net):
Please note any additional information here:	Please provide quotations to skills@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk for training as outlined in our procurement guidelines.
Would you like registered on the Councils Economic Development Database:	Yes No
I confirm the information given in this form and the attached documents are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and no information has been deliberately withheld. I understand that any misleading statements whether intentional or accidental, given at any stage during the application process, or any material information knowingly withheld, could render my application invalid and may require repayment of any grant.:	Yes No
I have read and understood the criteria for this grant.:	Yes No
I commit to upskilling at least one employee into a new and improved role and to raise their salary as per the criteria for funding:	Yes No
I confirm I have read and consent to the privacy notice included with this application. :	Yes No
Type Name to Sign:	Please note submission of this application does not guarantee an offer of funding.
Position Held:
Date:	FRAUD WARNING To knowingly or recklessly make a false statement to obtain aid for yourself or anyone else, will lead to disqualification, liability to refund of any aid already paid and possible prosecution. The information provided on this form may be made available to other Departments/Agencies for the purposes of preventing and detecting crime.