Ufi Charitable Trust: VocTech Now

Overview

Funding Criteria

They are looking to support vocational training providers who need to move to digital delivery methods in order to keep their learners engaged, as existing face to face delivery models are restricted as a result of Covid-19.

VocTech Now is a very targeted solution to address immediate barriers being faced by vocational learning providers in supporting users and by learners in continuing with their programmes with the closure of most training facilities.

They are looking for applications from vocational learning providers who

• need to transition to digital delivery methods
• have a reasonably well-developed idea about how digital tools can solve the problems they have accessing learners, as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions
• can deliver to a significant number of learners through an existing route to market
• can implement their ideas immediately and show real results for their learners quickly

VocTech Now is for projects that can be deployed quickly with direct positive effects for learners who would otherwise not be able to access learning, so that

• more adults to access the skills they need for work and professional updating in this new environment of travel restriction.
• the professional practice of learning providers develops so that they can continue supporting their students and move more practitioners into a ‘digital first’ or blended way of working after Ufi funding ends.

In order to achieve this, projects MUST build from a strong base already, both in understanding of the target learners, route to market and having some level of understanding of the current VocTech market or groundwork already in place.

What kinds of projects are they looking for?

They will support projects with realistic ideas that can be developed and implemented in order to show real results for their learners quickly

It is also an opportunity for people to innovate and to adopt VocTech as a long-term part of their working practices.

They are particularly interested in applications from organisations delivering vocational training to key workers / key sectors.

Please remember that Ufi’s mission is in vocational learning, particularly ensuring that the most disadvantaged in our society have access to learning. Applicants that propose non-vocational ideas (for example well-being, general support for mental or physical health) are unlikely to be successful.

How much funding is available?

VocTech Now provides grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 for projects lasting up to 3 months.

The funding offered for any individual project depends on the problem being addressed, and the nature and scale of the proposed solution. Each is considered on its merits.

What can the grant be used for?

Ufi funding can be used to fund the staff time, contractors, suppliers and resources need to take the idea to a position where it can operate, and continue to scale, when Ufi funding ends.

Funding can be used for:

• The adoption or implementation of existing VocTech tools and techniques e.g. Learning Management Systems (LMS) – their normal calls focus on the development of new ideas. This call is about immediate take-up of solutions that are available in the market.
• Costs associated with transforming content to be suitable for digital delivery
• Access to expert advice to design, develop and deliver high quality digital learning
• An appropriate level of equipment purchase, with a strong justification for the need for the capital spend
• Work virtually with users and / or customers to co-design and test solutions at scale
• A limited element of business development and strategies for sustainability
• Project management and reporting to Ufi, including evaluation and evidencing benefit

VocTech Now projects must:

• Focus on adult vocational learning in the UK (be aimed at adults (16+))
• Support the delivery of vocational learning that has been disrupted or impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions.
• Benefit a significant number of learners – Projects should ideally benefit over 100 learners during the funding period and have a clear vision for the further growth after Ufi funding.
• Provide a digital solution to a defined issue for vocational learning caused by the Covid-19 restrictions.
• Offer new accessible tools for learners, not just new learning content. Projects must tell them how they plan to procure a high quality digital learning solution for the first time.
• Have a clear and realistic route to market – VocTech Now projects must have access to a population of learners so that they are able to begin delivery immediately.
• Be able to start immediately - Successful applicants will be expected to commence work straight away. Please only apply if you are in a position to use the funding immediately.
• Clearly show why Ufi support is needed – Explain why this investment in digital learning could not otherwise happen in your organisation.
• Be committed to Ufi’s mission – Projects must help Ufi demonstrate and evidence the value of digital approaches to vocational learning more widely and participate in Ufi communications and engagement activities.