What's Happening?
Enginuity has introduced a new funding initiative called Enspiring Futures, aimed at bolstering the supply of welding and fabrication skills by providing practical training opportunities for young people
excluded from mainstream education. The program offers grants of up to £80,000 to organizations that establish or enhance welding and fabrication training facilities. This initiative seeks to address the persistent skills shortages in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, energy, and infrastructure by creating industry-aligned training environments. The program targets young people at risk of missing out on technical careers, including those aged 14-16 in alternative provision and 16-24-year-olds who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Enginuity is inviting proposals from various organizations across England, with a focus on regions like the North West, Yorkshire & the Humber, and the East Midlands.
Why It's Important?
The Enspiring Futures program is significant as it addresses both the skills gap in the engineering and manufacturing sectors and the social exclusion of young people. By providing hands-on training, the initiative aims to equip learners with the necessary skills and confidence to pursue careers in welding and fabrication, thereby strengthening the future talent pipeline. This program not only helps reduce the number of young people who are NEET but also supports the long-term skills planning efforts of Enginuity, which collaborates with employers, educators, and policymakers. The initiative is expected to enhance local training capacity and improve employer access to skilled workers, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and future-ready workforce.
What's Next?
Organizations interested in participating in the Enspiring Futures program must submit an expression of interest by January 12, 2026, followed by a pre-qualification questionnaire and full application materials. A bidder webinar is scheduled for February 4, 2026, with the full request for proposal submission deadline set for February 23, 2026. Enginuity will evaluate proposals from a wide range of organizations, including alternative provision schools, independent training providers, and community-based training organizations. Successful applicants will receive funding to support at least 72 learners over three years, delivering recognized qualifications and practical skills training.
