Mayor David Skaith has announced a new funding opportunity for the region’s independent training providers.
A total of £200,900 is available, with the aim of funding projects which will bring benefits to learners, employers and training providers. Investment is from the second phase of the Mayor’s Skills Innovation Fund, which launched earlier this year.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “We’re giving our communities the tools they deserve to access the quality careers that our businesses need.“With my Skills Innovation Fund we are already supporting more than 1,000 learners across three excellent programmes.“Now in the second and final round we will work with independent providers to boost their capacity and help even more learners in the region.”
Applications for phase two of the fund are open now, with a closing date of Friday 9 January 2026. This phase is focussed on building and strengthening capacity in independent training providers to enable them to innovate and change delivery to best meet the needs of employers and learners.
Areas where funding could be used include upgrading equipment and facilities with cutting edge technology and developing teaching and learning using immersive technology, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Independent training providers offer vocational education and training, distinct from other further education providers, such as colleges.
For the first phase of the Skills Innovation Fund, three programmes were announced in May 2025. Led by a consortium of further education colleges, not-for-profit organisation Better Connect, and University of York and York Creatives, these programmes will support more than 1,000 learners and tutors across the region.
What size grants are available?
Amount of funding available
Grants from £10,000 to £50,000.
The funding pot available to access will be £200,900 over one year April 2026 – April 2027.
Applications for a mix of capital and revenue funding will be accepted.
Applications for capital funding only will not be accepted.
There is an expectation that applications should request a minimum of £10,000 funding.
There is an indicative maximum limit of £50,000 for applications.