The Flexible Skills Programme (FSP)

The Flexible Skills Programme (FSP) is a Welsh Government funded initiative. It supports businesses across Wales to invest in themselves and build a stronger, more skilled workforce. 

Employers can apply for funding to cover up to 50% of accredited training costs, with a maximum contribution value of £50,000 per application. There is no minimum funding limit and multiple applications can be made during the year.

The Flexible Skills Programme can help Welsh tourism and hospitality businesses invest in your team’s future. Whether you are looking to fill skills gaps, retain staff, or attract new talent.

This support can include face-to-face, or online training and could assist with training in

• non-statutory health and safety
• specialist training - e.g. professional cookery, food and beverage, housekeeping supervision, reception, events, outdoor activity
• customer service
• ICT and Digital skills
• sustainable tourism
• leadership and management

To see if your business is eligible and for more information visit the Flexible Skills website.  

AI made practical: Simple tools to support your tourism business

A series of free, hands-on workshops are being delivered by MWT Cymru on behalf of the Welsh Government. They are designed for SME and micro tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales. Whether you’re completely new to AI or already experimenting and want more structure, confidence and practical next steps.

The training will show you real, practical ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT to

• save time,
• attract more customers,
• make your business stand out, and
• help convert interest to bookings.

Workshop and booking details

Business Online Support Service (BOSS)

BOSS is here to help you and your employees develop your skills to benefit your business.  It’s free online learning made simple. There are courses available covering

• Finance
• IT 
• Marketing
• Business Ideas and Business Planning - and many more.

Courses are bilingual, up to date, with unlimited 24/7 access to suit you with live-chat and a phone helpline to support you.  To find out more and watch a short video explaining what it’s about and how it can help you go to https://businesswales.gov.wales/boss/

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus can offer businesses help and support with recruiting and hiring people. More information about how they can help your business is available at Jobcentre Plus help for recruiters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Recruit an apprentice

To find out how recruiting an apprentice can be good for your business, and what support you get with costs you can visit here.

Skills Gateway

For information and advice on recruitment and training support visit Skills Gateway for Business online portal.

FREE bespoke service for employers: Disabled People’s Employment Champions

The Welsh Government has employed a network of Disabled People’s Employment Champions, supported by Business Wales Disabled People’s Employment Advisors, to provide advice, information and support to employers across Wales.

Any business in Wales interested in increasing the diversity of their workforce and finding out more about the many benefits of and support available for employing disabled people can contact the Champions at: DPEC@gov.wales.
Visit the Business Wales website for more details.

Well-being

Employers in Wales have long recognised the need to promote and support employee health and well-being including a good work-life balance and healthy lifestyle.

The benefits of addressing the physical, mental and social well-being of employees can lead to:

• reduced sickness and absence levels
• increased productivity
• improved quality of work
• better staff engagement
• reduced staff turnover  

Employees who are supported to take ownership of their own well-being have:

• reduced stress levels
• more motivation
• better morale
• increased job satisfaction
• a heightened awareness of colleagues’ well-being

The information presented here provides guides, tools and support for you to establish and develop the well-being culture of your business, and to involve employees in the conversation on workplace health. 

Working Wales – support for individuals

This is the Welsh Government’s programme to deliver free, impartial, employability and careers information, advice and guidance to individuals. 

It can help people who 

• need support to enter employment or looking for work, 
• have been made redundant, as well as people currently employed, who would like to up-skill.

For more information go to the Working Wales website.