The Innovation through Collaboration Fund 2021 is now open to applications, with a deadline of 7th October 2021 for receipt of proposals. This is the second round of Innovation Through Collaboration funding, following on from a successful call in 2019. The fund provides support for ETBs, in partnership with other organisations, to find innovative solutions to operational service and policy deliver challenges and opportunities arising from implementing the Skills to Advance initiative.

ETBs are invited to partner with at least one other ETB, and another organisation in making their proposal. Any organisations which add value to the project may be included, for example edtech companies, representative bodies, professional associations, research institutions, community-based organisations, other bodies or agencies, or private companies. Partners may be domestic or international.

Proposals are invited under the headings of Promotions, Support & Information, Learning Design, Flexible Delivery, Skills Resilience, Regional & Sectoral, and Specific Needs.  Projects must align to the objectives of the Skills to Advance policy framework. Projects may focus on enabling support for employees, particularly those in low skilled jobs or in sectors vulnerable to displacement, or SMEs who need some assistance in investing in and developing their workforce, or industry sectors with skills needs arising from emerging opportunities or economic vulnerability.

Funding is available to ETBs as lead partners only, if you are interested in partnering with an ETB, you can review a list of projects funded under the 2019 call here and a list of contact details here  

Queries in relation to this fund can be directed to innovation@solas.ie