Aims/priorities: The funding is intended to support projects that use technology to address three specific challenges and demonstrate how technology can drive sustainable change in adult skills provision in the UK. The goal is to create a direct and tangible impact on learners during the funding period and ensure these changes are sustainable after the funding ends.
This call is for projects that address one of the following challenges:
Employer integration
How can technology be used to integrate and reflect employers’ changing needs so that the skills of the available workforce better reflect the needs of local employers?
Pathways into and within work
How can technology be used to increase the visibility, accessibility and uptake of pathways from learning into work, or from one type of work into another, particularly in regional growth sectors?
Vocational language barriers
How can technology be used to support adults with in-demand vocational skills, but who do not speak English as their first language, gain the industry-specific English required by employers?
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from UK-based organisations. Given the aims of this grant, Ufi considers it best suited to:
- Collaborative groups of organisations and employers (with a lead applicant) where at least one partner has a strong track-record in working with the target community of learners, at least one has a strong development and learning design background, and an employer or employer group partner is involved.
- Organisations/groups who are in touch with or delivering in the part of the skills system which they wish to change.
- Organisations with a strong track-record in working with a community of learners, and a route to engaging employers/employer groups.
- Organisations with a shared passion for Ufi's mission.
Organisations must be registered, including registered charities, community interest companies, social enterprises, not-for-profits, private companies, community associations, FE colleges and public bodies.
Successful applications will focus on ideas which unlock potential in the communities, sectors, skill levels and places currently underserved by mainstream provision.
Grant amount: Successful applicants will each receive between £200,000 and £250,000 to refine and deploy their ideas.
They will also join a network of organisations working alongside each other as part of an active, expert-led programme designed to create connections, share knowledge, test assumptions and accelerate adoption and deployment.
Ufi is seeking to fund up to six projects.
Application process: The call for applications will open on Tuesday 11 June 2024.
Supporting information can be found on the Ufi website.
Deadline: Not specified.
Contact information: Email: info@ufi.co.uk
Website: About the fund | VocTech Challenge Impact Network + Grant Fund | Ufi VocTech Trust