The Liverpool City Region is investing £68m in adult training to
help thousands of people gain the skills they need to secure
better jobs and higher wages.
The funding will ensure that residents can access high-quality
training opportunities, tackling skills shortages and meeting the
needs of local employers. It also marks another step forward in
the region's push to take control of skills funding and design
training that works for local people.
Among the recommendations going to the Liverpool City Region
Combined Authority next Friday (7th March) are:
- £52m to support further education colleges, councils, and
independent training providers across the region.
- £12.3m for Skills Bootcamps – a rise of £1.3m – to support
short, intensive courses that lead directly to jobs.
- £3.6m to fund Free Courses for Jobs, helping adults gain
Level 3 (A-level equivalent) qualifications.
- New powers secured to fund and design technical
qualifications based on local employer needs, ensuring the
region's workforce is fit for the future.
, Mayor of the Liverpool City
Region, said:
“When I left school at 16, there weren't many opportunities
for working-class kids like me. I know that for too many people
in our region, it's still the same today. That's why we're taking
action – not just talking about improving skills but investing of
millions pounds to make it happen.
“This funding means thousands more people will have the
chance to gain qualifications, access better-paid jobs, and
secure a brighter future for themselves and their families. It's
local decision-making in action – helping our people, boosting
our businesses, and growing our economy.”
Since taking control of the Adult Skills Budget in 2019, the
Combined Authority has prioritised training that delivers real
benefits for local people and employers, with nearly 300,000
residents benefitting. In the last year alone, the Adult Skills
Fund supported 37,680 learners – the highest number since
devolution began – with 75% from disadvantaged areas.
Despite a £1.8m reduction in central funding, the Combined
Authority has protected allocations to local councils and
colleges, ensuring that training providers can continue to
deliver for learners.
On March 7, the Combined Authority will meet to approve the
funding and formally vote to accept new powers over Level 3
technical qualifications for adults.
Mayor Rotheram added:
“For too long, people in our area have been held back – not by a
lack of talent, but by a lack of opportunity. Devolution has
given us the power to change that. By taking greater control of
skills funding, we're ensuring that local people have access to
high-quality training that leads to good, secure jobs.
“This is just another step towards making our region the best
place in the country to grow up, grow a family and grow a
business.”
