Employer Training Incentive Programme (ETIP) is a delegated training grant programme, aiming to assist Norfolk SMEs (less than 250 employees) in sectors that have been most effected or highlighted by COVID-19.

Businesses, including self-employed business owners, will be able to use the grant to increase their employees’ skills level whilst supporting the diversification, growth or survival of the organisation.

·        The scheme can fund up to 75% of their training costs, maximum of £1500 total grant value per business (£2000 total training cost)

·        There is no maximum of employees that can take courses from each business, or how many different courses an individual can take, as long as it meets the training objectives to enhance productivity, efficiency or effectiveness of the business, and be proven to assist with employee retention

·        It can fund both accredited and non-accredited training up to Level 3, or modules thereof. It can fund mandatory training and online-only training

·        It must be delivered from a UK organisation, using a local trainer (where possible)

It is targeted towards businesses in the following sectors:

• Visitor Economy - Tourism/Leisure/Hospitality businesses
• Visitor Economy – Culture/Entertainment
• Independent retailers
• Food & Drink businesses
• Agricultural Business / Agritech
• Digital Technology businesses
• Businesses that can demonstrate that their work supports those highlighted above, such as distribution networks and warehousing.

The options are wide-ranging and employers will need to identify the training need for their businesses and identify their training provider. Businesses will be provided with a portfolio of suggested options and guidance, and will be supported by an ETIP Business Engagement Officer should they require any assistance, or in some cases their training provider could apply on their behalf.

The ETIP Grant is aiming to:

• support SMEs looking to diversify or tap into the local supply chain
• allow businesses to retain & upskill employees that may otherwise face redundancy, protecting jobs 
• incentivise rural businesses to adopt digital technology in any area of their business, or embrace digital marketing
• allow businesses to train new managers and new employees, or those coming from other parts of the business
• offer support around workstream, HR and systems management
• training of those new to the digital environment
• training in agricultural and food technologies

Some ideas of the training it could fund:

• Sales and marketing courses
• Digital marketing and social media training
• Business coaching
• Modules of ILM Level 3 Leadership and management
• Food hygiene certificates and Covid specific hygiene courses
• Developer & Coder roles, High tech level, modules thereof (digital management)
• Welcome Host/World Host - Customer Service Training
• Training in HR or people management
• Mental Health First Aid - Levels 2 and 3
• Advanced Food Hygiene, Allergen Management

supply chain management

• Team Leaders courses for those picking or packing food, particularly for those who have moved into the agricultural sector during lockdown/border closure
• Training in Accountancy Packages, EPOS systems and specific programmes
• CPD for chefs and cooks

• 50% of the total training cost is paid in advance of training, with 25% paid on completion and evaluation. A contribution of 25% is required from the employer.
• Training must be used to enhance productivity, efficiency or effectiveness, and be proven to assist with employee retention
• There will be a simple application, with a quick decision

Contact ETIP@norfolk.gov.uk for more information