Other ways to access / support training
In-house bespoke training programme
If the idea of planning and holding a bespoke training programme which suits your needs is appealing then perhaps you would like to consider applying for a small grant to help make this a reality? A training programme does not have to consist of formal training sessions but can also feature visits to neighbouring organisations, benchmarking, learning on the job through shadowing and mentoring.
It is possible for full members to apply for a grant to support them with creating their own training programme. Funding of up to £5000 is available and you can apply for up to 100% if your project meets our additional criteria. Please see our grants pages which provide information and advice to members on the range of grants available through Museums Galleries Scotland, including criteria, priorities, closing dates and application material.
We are very happy to provide support and guidance on this by way of information on training providers, approximate costs and some hints and tips on creating a training programme - please click on the publication 'Overview of MGS Training Courses' for a list of courses and trainer details or contact the Workforce Development Manager for further information.
Hosting a course
If you have a number of staff within your organisation or know of any neighbouring organisations who also require the same training, then we can look at bringing the course to you. If you can supply a venue, we will give you 2 free spaces on the course and we will do all the administration and provide refreshments. There would have to be an adequate number of attendees to make running the course viable - we generally run our courses with a max of 16 and a minimum of 10. Please contact the Workforce Development Manager for further information.
CPD
Again, our grants can support our members to assist their staff with their CPD. The learning, however must be of benefit to the member organisation and this must be demonstrated within the application. In normal circumstances projects must be completed within our financial year, however university courses which run outwith our finacial year will be given special consideration. Our Grants Development Manager would be happy to discuss this with you.
Academic programmes: e.g. the University of St Andrew’s Graduate Diploma/MLitt in Museums and Gallery studies
Vocational Qualifications: e.g. in Heritage Care and Visitor Services and Cultural Heritage Operations.
Professional Development: e.g. The Museums Association's programme leading to membership including the Associateship and Fellowship.
Individual Learning Accounts (ILA)
ILA Scotland is a Scottish Government scheme that helps you pay for learning that you can do at a time, place, pace and in a way to suit you. It’s for people who have an income of £22,000 a year or less, or who are on benefits. If you are 16 or over and living in Scotland, you could get £200 towards the cost of learning with a learner account from ILA Scotland. The website has a database of courses and lots of useful links, information and advice
Training Grants
Scottish Museums Federation (SMF)
SMF Grants are available to members of the Scottish Museums Federation for professional development. Two grants of up to £200 are available each year. The application form can be downloaded from the website.
Association of Independent Museums (AIM)
Bob Harding Training Grants are small grants for individuals (staff, trustees, volunteers) undertaking training courses, seminars, workshops, visits to other museums and post-graduate courses. Founded in memory of Bob Harding who served AIM for many years, the grants are intended to help with expenses, enabling attendance. AIM members can apply for typically £150 and they are easy to apply for.
As Scotland's leading skills body, Skills Development Scotland is equipped to provide people with skills, training and funding advice. Flexible Training Opportunities gives Scottish businesses with up to 150 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs. Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business and the money is not a loan so there's no need to pay it back. SDS will refund up to 50% of each episode of employee training up to a maximum of £500 for each employee.
