New FE Sector Specialisation and Innovation fund
Dated: 29/07/2008

New Further Education (FE) Sector Specialisation and Innovation fund launched

New Further Education (FE) Sector Specialisation and Innovation fund launched 28 July 2008
From today FE colleges and training providers can tap into a new fund to help them
connect with businesses in an innovative and collaborative way.
This fund has been created to help England compete in the global skills race putting the FE sector at the heart of improving the skills of businesses and individuals. It will help unlock the talent of the FE workforce and drive business innovation, enabling FE colleges and training providers to refine and expand the way they manage and deliver their employer training solutions. Finally, it will allow them to learn from their experiences, and share that learning more widely.
FE colleges and training providers are particularly well placed to deliver business
innovation by pooling their collective knowledge and expertise. The fund will help the sector drive a collaborative and practical approach to innovation through a small number of targeted pathfinder projects
Ian Pearson, Innovation Minister says "One of the key challenges facing this country is the skills race, a race which we can and must win. The further education system is at the heart of helping deliver the Government's aim to make the UK the leading place in the world to be an innovative business or public service. The Specialisation and Innovation Fund will help FE collegesto connect with business and enhance their reputation for innovation and specialism establishing their vital support role in helping businesses to succeed in the global knowledge economy".

Bids are now being taken and successful providers will be notified in the autumn.
Funding of between ?250,000-800,000 will be available for one year for successful
applicants and providers need to apply by September 17th to be eligible.
The Learning and Skills Council are looking for FE colleges and training providers with fresh ideas backed with strong delivery plans which demonstrate eligibility, sustainability, potential and connectivity. Providers are encouraged to use the fund to connect with business and demonstrate their ability to deliver tailored high quality training.
For more information or to apply for the fund please visit www.lsc.gov.uk/Innovation or contact Innovation@lsc.gov.uk.

New FE Sector Specialisation and Innovation fund