Vocational Training Fund
The University is able to sponsor members of assistant staff to undertake vocational qualifications where the training is directly related to their current role. Funding is available for recognised national vocational qualifications, up to the revised NVQ level 5 or equivalent (NVQ5 is broadly equivalent to Higher National Certificate or Diploma). Funding is approved on an annual basis.
The contribution from the Vocational Training Fund towards the cost of your training will depend on whether the course is:
- An accredited training course leading to a qualification up to the revised NVQ Level 5 on the National Qualification Framework. In this instance the vocational training fund will contribute up to 100% of the costs incurred in a financial year to a maximum of £1000, any balance for more expensive courses to be met by your department.
OR
- A short course of strategic importance eg Health & Safety. In these cases up to a 50% contribution may be made. These applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Funding is approved on an annual basis and therefore for longer courses, an application must be made each year that funding is requested. Where the full cost of the course cannot be met by the Vocational Training Fund, your department will be asked to pay the balance.
You may undertake a programme through part-time day release, evening study or distance learning. Programmes that require any time away from work will need to be agreed by your department.
What next?
If you would like to apply for funding, first contact your manager or departmental administrator to obtain their support. Then complete the application form PD5, available online as well as from your Departmental Administrator or from PPD. Return the form to PPD and we will contact you to arrange an interview and to make a decision about funding.PPD also coordinates an NVQ in Administration programme for University staff.
The Finance Training section within the Finance Division provides accredited vocational training including AAT qualifications.
During the last year, we were able to support over 90 people to undertake a range of vocational training courses and qualifications. This was achieved by working in partnership with local training providers.