Grants Opening to Help Mid Ulster Businesses Train Staff
Businesses in Mid Ulster will soon be able to apply for funding to support staff training, thanks to a new grant scheme launched by the Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
The Mid Ulster SkillFund is a small training grant programme designed to help local employers invest in their workforce, improve productivity, and support employee progression.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton, welcomed the initiative:
The Mid Ulster SkillFund is a fantastic opportunity for small businesses in Mid Ulster to strengthen their workforce and support staff development. By removing some of the financial barriers to training, we are helping employers invest in the future of their businesses and that’s good news for the local economy.
The scheme is now open for applications, with funding available on a first-come, first-served basis. Employers based in the Mid Ulster District Council area can claim:
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Up to £500 per employee for training that leads to an accredited qualification.
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Up to £200 per employee for industry-recognised certifications such as First Aid, CSR Card, Hygiene Certificates, Forklift Licence, Manual Handling, and Microsoft Excel.
Grants are capped at £2,000 per business, and training must be completed by 31 March 2026. All claims will be processed retrospectively.
Chair of the Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership, Damian Power, said: "We’re delighted to launch the Mid Ulster SkillFund – a practical and accessible way for local employers to upskill their teams and build business resilience. This grant scheme is about empowering our workforce, enabling progression, and ultimately driving long-term growth in the region. I would encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and invest in their people."
Comprehensive guidance is available NOW, and businesses are strongly encouraged to review it to prepare in advance of the first call for applications.
Call one for applications will open on 1 September 2025, closing at 4pm on Friday 12 September 2025.
To apply, employers must complete an online application and provide two training quotations along with the required supporting documentation.
Applicants are reminded that training must not commence until they have received a formal Letter of Offer from Mid Ulster LMP.
For more information or to receive a copy of the comprehensive guidance, please visit: www.midulstercouncil.org/SkillFund.