FINANCING WINDOWS
The SDF will consist of four financing windows, based on the following training levels: (a) university level; (b) technical education and training; (c) vocational education and training; and (d) alternative training (informal). Through these windows, the SDF will support all levels of skills in the key economic sectors, strengthen links with the private sector, stimulate demand for training, encourage cost-sharing among firms and providers, and incentivize results at the provider level.
Window 1:University Education
Funds for public and private universities to strengthen training for prospective high and medium skilled workers to boost productivity and drive innovation. This will include strengthening of programs at accredited universities that include bachelor degree programs from three to five years in length, but will exclude masters and doctoral programs.
Window 2:Technical education and training
Funds for public and private technical education and training institutes will be used to strengthen training for current and prospective medium skilled workers to boost productivity and drive innovation. It will support the strengthening of programs at accredited technical education and training institutes that include certificate, diploma, and higher diploma programs from two to three years in length, and will exclude traditional universities. SDF is expected to prioritize funds for technical education and training.
Window 3:Vocational education and training
Funds for public and private vocational education and training centers will support training for current and prospective and low skill workers through basic foundational and pre-employment certificate programs lasting from several months up to two years. Only accredited Level A and B providers will be eligible to participate for this funding. SDF is expected to prioritize funds for vocational education and training.
Window 4:Employer based training
Funds for private employer based training will support skills upgrading pre- and post- employment training programs including (a) apprenticeships, internships and other work based placements; (b) short-term training (several days to several months) including entrepreneurship training, technical training, life skills and non-cognitive skills training. Funds for training in this window are limited in scope and designed to either create or upgrade skills needed for current or upcoming employment and self-employment (including starting or expanding small business). Given the diverse nature of employer based training programs, eligible training providers under this window need to be registered NGOs, companies, industry associations, etc. Providers should not be formally accredited under TCU, NACTE, or VETA as they will be expected to apply in those respective windows.