Mayor welcomes local control of £21.8 million skills budget for Greater Lincolnshire
The funding will help residents gain new skills, improve job prospects and access training opportunities delivered by colleges and providers across the area
Thousands of residents across Greater Lincolnshire are set to benefit from training opportunities as the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) officially launches its first locally-controlled Adult Skills Fund (ASF) and Skills Bootcamps programme.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the region's devolution journey, with responsibility for more than £21m of adult skills funding transferring from central government to Greater Lincolnshire for the first time. Funding will support training opportunities designed to help residents gain new skills, progress in work, secure better jobs and support employers to access the skilled workforce they need.
Training will be delivered by colleges and training providers across Greater Lincolnshire through a combination of grant-funded and competitively commissioned provision. The programme includes Adult Skills Fund courses, Free Courses for jobs and Skills Bootcamps.
The Adult Skills Fund provides training opportunities for adults aged 19 and over, helping residents improve essential skills, gain qualifications and progress towards employment. Skills Bootcamps provide flexible training in sectors facing skills shortages and are designed to support people into jobs, promotions or career changes.
Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns said: "Skills is one of the most important parts of my role because investments we are announcing will shape future roles for people in Lincolnshire and drive economic growth. I am delighted that we now have control of our Adult Skills Fund budget. This funding gives us the opportunity to design skills provision around the local needs of our residents, employers and communities.
"I would like to congratulate all the colleges and training providers that have secured funding to deliver these programmes. Their expertise and commitment will be vital in helping people gain the skills they need to progress in their careers and fulfil their potential.
"I would also like to thank our constituent authorities, particularly the team at Lincolnshire County Council, who have worked over several years to prepare for the transfer of these responsibilities and ensure a smooth transition.
"This is just the beginning. I am committed to working closely with employers, providers and communities to build a skills system that reflects local priorities, creates opportunities for residents and delivers the talented workforce our businesses need to grow and thrive."
Responsibility for administering the programmes on behalf of GLCCA is being delivered through a partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, building on the successful work undertaken over recent years to prepare the area for devolution.
The Authority has made clear that its initial approach will maintain stability within the local training market while it develops longer-term plans for the future of skills provision across Greater Lincolnshire.
Residents interested in accessing training opportunities will continue to find information about available courses through participating colleges and providers.