Maritime Employability Grant Programme 2025/26
The West Dunbartonshire Maritime Employability Grant Programme aims to respond to skills shortages facing the engineering sector and develop these skills from the resident population in West Dunbartonshire to help meet the demands of companies within the Clyde Maritime Sector.
The Scottish Goverment funding investment is to develop engineering skills in the Glasgow City Region, designed by the Clyde Maritime Cluster in partnership with Skills Development Scotland.
The programme will aim to increase the supply of skilled workers while also supporting individuals who are economically inactive or from lower income communities to access opportunities in the sector.
This will lead to:
- More opportunities for the economically inactive population to improve their skills;
- More opportunities for the low-skilled population to improve their skills;
- More West Dunbartonshire residents employed within the Clyde Maritime Cluster;
- More companies within Glasgow City Region able to recruit the skills they need from the resident population
Applications must be submitted by Noon on Friday 6th March 2026.
Delivery Timescales and Key Milestones
The Maritime Employability Grant programme for 2025/26 will provide funding for delivery of services from 16th March 2026 to 31st March 2027.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
|
Grant opens for applications |
26th February 2026 |
|
Information session for potential applicants. |
Attendees can access the information session using the online link below: Monday 2nd March from 4-4.30pm West Dunbartonshire Council - Maritime Employability Grant Programme 2025/26 Information Session |
|
Closing date for applications |
Friday 6th March 2026 |
|
Assessment panel |
w/c 9th March 2026 |
|
Application outcomes notified |
w/c 9th March 2026 |
|
Award letter issued |
w/c 9th March 2026 |
|
Delivery Starts |
from 16th March 2026 |
|
Delivery end |
31st March 2027 |
Following assessment West Dunbartonshire Council will enter into a Grant Award Agreement with successful bidders.
Third, public and private sector organisations are all eligible to apply.
If you are applying as a partnership, the lead partner should apply, and detail partners involved. The lead partner would be responsible for the overall management and delivery of the project including budget management and monitoring and reporting requirements.
Maritime Grants Programme Key Areas of Provision
We are looking for providers who can deliver sector specific training. Three key areas of provision have been identified that we would like to focus its co-commissioning on through this grants programme.
| Key Area | Provision |
|---|---|
| Pre Apprenticeship programme |
A 3-week programme, running three days per week, providing a practical introduction to engineering for individuals who do not yet have the qualifications required to enter an apprenticeship. It should combine hands-on technical workshops, basic engineering theory, and employability skills. Participants will also gain insight into the maritime industry and have clear progression pathwaystoward formal apprenticeships or further training opportunities. |
| PE02 Fast-Track Programme |
PE02 Fast-Track Programme an intensive 6–8-week course designed to equip candidates with the essential practical and theoretical skills required for entry-level engineering roles. Participants will work toward achieving the EAL Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) SVQ Level 2 qualification, which covers key competencies such as health and safety, machining, maintenance, and fabrication. The programme should offer a structured, hands-on route into engineering apprenticeships or employment, enabling learners to quickly build industry-recognised skills and confidence in a workshop environment. |
| Marine Engineering Level 3 Programme |
Marine Engineering Level 3 Programme is a one-year course that combines advanced technical training with a work placement in the maritime or engineering sector. Learners will develop specialist skills in areas such as mechanical maintenance, propulsion systems, electrical engineering, and safety procedures. |
The closing date for applications is Noon Friday 6th March 2026.
Bids must be submitted using the appropriate application forms below:
Bids must be submitted to West Dunbartonshire Council using this email address: WDC_NOLB_Grants@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Bids submitted in any other format will not be accepted.
West Dunbartonshire Council Maritime Employability Grant Award is a competitive process and West Dunbartonshire Council will not enter into discussions with bidders.