Last month, D2N2 launched the Local Skills Report which sets out the region’s skills needs and the actions required to ensure everyone has the skills to help them get the jobs and careers to which they aspire, now and in the future.

The region’s adults now have the opportunity to gain a new qualification for free, designed to help them to gain in-demand skills and secure great jobs. Almost 400 qualifications are available to take from 1 April, backed by £95 million government funding in 2021/22, as part of the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.

The qualifications on offer range from engineering to social care to conservation and are available to any adult who has not already achieved a qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels).

The roll out marks a major milestone in the delivery of the landmark Lifetime Skills Guarantee – announced by the Prime Minister in September 2020. The Guarantee aims to transform the skills system so everyone, no matter where they live or their background, can gain the skills they need to progress.

Adults who take up the free courses have the potential to boost career prospects, wages and help fill skills gaps, while supporting the economy and building back better.

For example, with a Diploma in Engineering Technology adults can progress to roles in Maintenance or Manufacturing Engineering. A Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation or a qualification in Adult Care can also provide a gateway to sectors offering rewarding careers and where there are multiple job opportunities.

It will also ensure employers have access to the skilled workforce they need, and more people are trained for the skills gaps that exist now, and in the future.

Find out more on gov.uk.

Skills Bootcamps

As well as the free courses, as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, thousands of adults have taken advantage of new Skills Bootcamps. The D2N2 LEP was confirmed as one of three regions to deliver an initial round of Skills Bootcamps, which offer free, flexible courses lasting up to 16 weeks covering areas including construction, digital and technical.

Delivery of our Skills Bootcamps is be undertaken by a partnership of 10 providers, each with differing specialisms, industry links or geographical focus.

Find out more here.

Skills for Jobs White Paper

The government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper, published in January, enshrines the Lifetime Skills Guarantee – setting out landmark reforms that will realigning the post-16 education system around the needs of employers, so that people are trained for the skills gaps that exist now, and in the future, in sectors the economy needs, including construction, digital, clean energy and manufacturing.

The White Paper forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Jobs which is protecting, supporting and creating jobs across the country and will help everyone to benefit from the opportunities available to them.