A new scheme that gives Ayrshire businesses the chance to receive funding to help upskill and train employees is set to open.

The £3.5million Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund is available to employers across Ayrshire, with maximum grants of £3,000 per person to help address skill gaps in their workforce.

The Fund is an Ayrshire Growth Deal project and has been established to target priority groups such as young people, females, people with long term health conditions and people in low paid employment.

The aim is to help them gain new skills and qualifications in existing and emerging growth sectors, such as engineering, digital, visitor economy and clean growth.

People being given the opportunity must live in Ayrshire and training can be accredited or delivered in house.

Councillor Marie Burns, Chair of Ayrshire Joint Committee, said: “We are delighted that the fund is now open and hope businesses across Ayrshire can use it to help their workforce and provide them with the skills that will enhance their careers now and in the future.

“There are skills gaps and we are looking to address these and provide opportunities for disadvantaged groups at the same time.

“The Ayrshire Growth Deal is exciting for the whole region. It is all very well investing in big projects, but we have to have the personnel in place and ready to deliver the work.”

To apply for an ASIF Grant, complete the online application form here and submit before November 8.

Employers can contact fairwork@north-ayrshire.gov.uk for any support completing the form.