Dundee and Angus College, in collaboration with Angus Council, has launched the Angus Business Skills Fund, a strategic initiative designed to drive local economic growth by supporting Angus-based businesses in upskilling their workforce.
This fund, backed by £300,000 from the UK Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Angus Council, is designed to empower businesses in the Angus region to invest in high-quality training and development programmes.
The Angus Business Skills Fund offers grants of up to £5,000 for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and up to £15,000 for levy-paying businesses. These grants enable local businesses to access a wide range of high-quality training programmes through Dundee and Angus College, including but not limited to:
- Green skills training: electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and EV charging point installation
- Advanced manufacturing, automation & robotics
- Customer service
- Digital skills
- Leadership training
- Nutrition courses
A standout example is the bespoke nutrition course developed for the kitchen team at Balhousie Care Group’s Willowbank Care Home in Carnoustie. Created by Dundee and Angus College’s hospitality department, this programme equips staff with crucial knowledge on the benefits of good nutrition and the challenges of catering to care home residents. The course, which includes training on managing dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), is vital for ensuring that residents receive the nutrition they need to maintain their health. The course has now been rolled out to other Balhousie Care Homes.
As businesses in Angus face rapid technological advancements, evolving market demands, and a transition to a greener economy, the need for upskilling has never been more critical. By developing essential skills in areas like automation, digitalisation, and sustainability, the local workforce can remain competitive and thrive in this changing landscape.
"The launch of this fund marks an exciting opportunity for businesses in our region to invest in their most valuable asset—their people," said Caryn Gibson, Business Partnerships Manager at Dundee and Angus College. "By providing access to essential training, we aim to empower businesses to adapt, grow, and contribute to the economic vitality of Angus."
Economic Development spokesperson for Angus Council, Councillor Kenny Braes, said: “I’m delighted that we can support Angus-based businesses through the Business Skills Fund and empower them to invest in their workforce.
“I urge all local businesses to explore this funding opportunity, that will enable them to access a wide range of high-quality training programmes at Dundee and Angus College, to upskill their employees. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this will have on our local economy and for the people of Angus.”
Applications for the Angus Business Skills Fund are now open. Interested businesses are encouraged to contact the Business Partnerships team at Dundee and Angus College via email at business@dundeeandangus.ac.uk or visit the College website for more information.