Luke Campbell – ‘Everyone deserves the chance to gain the skills they need to succeed’
Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority has been given the power to decide how to use skills funding(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Thousands of people in Hull and East Yorkshire are poised to benefit from tailored training opportunities as part of devolved Government powers. Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority has been given the power to decide how to use skills funding to deliver on the areas needs as part of the Governments drive to transfer power to regions.
Residents accessing the funding are given the skills and learning opportunities they need to progress into work, with opportunities including apprenticeships, qualifications or further learning. Local leaders can now invest their portion of the Adult Skills Fund into what matters most locally, allowing more tailored opportunities for businesses and residents.
The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) is set to open doors for learners aged 19 and over, recognising that many young people are missing out on the on their first step on the career ladder. It also provides those aged 19 to 23 with a fully-funded route to their first qualification.
From technical skills in construction, plumbing and social care, to essential skills like English, maths and digital, local areas can use the fund to ensure there is an offer for everyone ready to take that next step. The move forms part of the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, with Mayors in England receiving a share of income tax revenues for the first time. Areas without a local mayor will be supported to establish a strategic authority and begin their pathway to greater control.
Mayor Luke Campbell said: “This is a significant step forward for Hull and East Yorkshire, bringing decisions about skills funding closer to the people and businesses it affects, we can ensure training opportunities are designed around the needs of our local economy and the aspirations of our residents.
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“Everyone deserves the chance to gain the skills they need to succeed, whether that’s taking their first step into work, retraining for a new career or progressing into higher-skilled roles. Through the Adult Skills Fund, we can help more people access the qualifications, apprenticeships and learning opportunities that will unlock their full potential.
“Our local employers will also benefit too. We know businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire need skilled, work-ready people to help them grow and thrive. By targeting investment towards local skills priorities, we can build a stronger workforce, support key sectors, and create better opportunities for people across our Hull and East Yorkshire region.
“This funding gives us the flexibility to deliver skills training that matches opportunities on people’s doorsteps and helps drive inclusive economic growth across Hull and East Yorkshire.”
Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, said: “We know that local leaders know their businesses, residents, and the skills gaps holding their communities back. Handing control of Adult Skills Funding to Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority means decisions will be made by those who understand local needs best.
“This is part of a wider drive to build a more flexible and reactive skills system that truly works for learners and employers alike.”
Hull and East Yorkshire CA joins a growing number of Strategic Authorities across England already administering their own ASF funding, including Greater Manchester, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.
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