Providing training grants to employers

Cheshire West and Chester Council are pleased to allocate UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to support local employers to upskill, become more resilient, grow, and diversify, and be able to offer employment opportunities to more of our residents.

Working in partnership with West Cheshire and North Wales (WCNW) Chamber of Commerce, the Employer Training Grant projecttakes West Cheshire businesses through a training needs analysis and a training plan.

Worth up to £2,000 per employer, the Employer Training Grant can support businesses to access online training, set up a membership to a site that could provide appropriate CPD support, attend face to face courses, cover the employer contribution to an apprenticeship (if this was prohibitive), access training that would enable businesses to adopt new processes and/ or technology, and programmes that would support the development of a more inclusive workforce.

The Grant will not cover mandatory training and will be subject to approval by a grants panel to ensure value for money and to avoid duplication.

Given the recent cost of living increases, such as rises in energy tariffs, materials and the real living wage, employers have less finances available to support training, despite it forming part of their business plan.

This funding will enable more employees to continue to invest in skills training, with a target of sixty employers to be supported through this grant pot by 31 March 2025.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said:

“Cheshire West and Chester Council are pleased to be able to work in partnership with the local Chamber promote the importance of training with Cheshire West businesses – whether that is to win new contracts, increase levels of exports, develop a more flexible and inclusive workforce or become more resilient places to work. It’s no secret that employers who invest in skills and training are the best placed to attract and retain staff.

“The Employer Training Grant will enable employers to future proof their businesses despite the financial challenges that we all face and help develop an inclusive and thriving local economy.”

Sarah Bailey, Chief Executive Officer for the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber said:

“Employers across all sectors are facing challenges when it comes to skills and the Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be working with Cheshire West & Chester Council to support firms’ training needs.

“Training from within provides employers with many benefits, not only will employees gain new skills to benefit the business and drive growth, but it helps achieve higher buy in from staff and supports retention. With a diverse range of training options available, we strongly encourage businesses to take advantage of the Employer Training Grant.”

The Employer Training Grant is one of several business support projects being delivered as part of wider UKSPF programme, which includes support to help growing businesses to innovate and look at opportunities to progress to Net Zero, as well as entrepreneurship activities aimed at supporting businesses to develop.

More information on this project and the wider programme, can be found on the Let’s Talk Business website: 

UK Shared Prosperity Fund Business Support Programme (letstalkbizcw.co.uk)

More information on UKSPF can also be found on the Council website:

People and Skills | Cheshire West and Chester Council

The Employer Training Grant Project has received £200,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This funding includes the grant funding and associated administration costs.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus – visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus