Karen urges colleges across Staffordshire Moorlands to bid for new funding from

the Conservative Government to boost skills training

Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley is encouraging colleges and further education providers across Staffordshire Moorlands to bid for extra investment from the Government by Tuesday 20 June 2023 to boost local skills training.

Local communities across the country are set to benefit from a share of £165 million to improve skills training in their area and help get more people into jobs closer to home.

The new funding from the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund will be used to renovate facilities with up-to-date equipment, help to upskill teachers, and deliver new courses in key subjects.

New courses that will receive extra funding include those providing training in green construction, carbon capture, and cyber security, and those that meet the needs of local employers.

Successful applicants will receive funding to invest in initiatives responding to the priorities in each area’s Local Skills Improvement Plan, created by employer bodies in every region to make sure post-16 technical training responds to local needs.

Commenting, Karen said:

“I welcome the extra £165 million investment in skills training from the Conservative Government and encourage colleges and further education providers across the Moorlands to apply for their share to help get more people into jobs closer to home.

“This new funding will deliver the skills our local employers need, while levelling up skills training across the country and helping to grow our economy.”

Commenting, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

“Building a world-class skills and apprenticeships nation means listening to the specific needs of local people, businesses, and institutions.

“This funding will revolutionise how we plug local skills gaps and provide a boost to the economy. Supporting colleges to better meet the needs of local employers not only boosts businesses, it extends the ladder of opportunity to even more people from all backgrounds who will be equipped with the skills they need to secure a rewarding job close to home.”