Skillsbank

The South Yorkshire Skills Bank is a funding programme delivered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to support business growth through high‑quality workforce training. The scheme is available to organisations operating across the South Yorkshire region, including Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, and is designed to help businesses develop the skills they need to grow and improve productivity.

Skills Bank offers financial support towards a range of eligible training, including full qualifications, individual training modules, and bespoke training packages tailored to specific business needs. Supported provision focuses primarily on leadership, management and professional development, ensuring training activity directly contributes to an organisation’s planned growth trajectory rather than statutory or mandatory requirements.

To be eligible, businesses must have an operational base within South Yorkshire and be able to demonstrate clear growth ambitions supported by relevant training. New businesses can apply once they have been trading for at least 12 months, provided they show evidence of business viability, initial success and capacity for growth. Skills Bank cannot be used to support start‑ups. Businesses must also comply with national Subsidy Control limits, meet industry regulations, and hold appropriate employer insurance. Engagement with a SYMCA Skills Advisor within the previous six months is required prior to application.

Learners supported through the programme must be aged 19 or over, employed by a South Yorkshire‑based organisation, and legally resident in the UK. Overall, the South Yorkshire Skills Bank plays a key role in strengthening the regional economy by enabling targeted investment in skills that support sustainable business development and long‑term growth.

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