Adults across Greater Manchester will soon benefit from locally funded skills training as devolution of the £92 million Adult Education Budget (AEB) moves a step closer.
The budget, which will transfer from central government to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) from August, will support tens of thousands of the city-region’s residents every year to develop the skills they need for life and work. Additionally, it will help to ensure that employers can access the skilled workforce needed for businesses across the city-region to grow and thrive.
Education specialist Seetec are one of a number of organisations that will provide training to individuals aged 19 and over across Greater Manchester. Their work aims to help and support people across the ten boroughs of Manchester to develop skills and move into employment.
Seetec, who were also recently appointed to deliver the adult education budget in Liverpool, will be focusing on employment training across multiple sectors and teaching essential skills that adults need to progress in the world of work, or to improve employability, through to acquiring qualifications that will boost career prospects. In particular, their work will focus on those working in low paid jobs or in Greater Manchester’s priority sectors, such as digital and construction. Other key sectors on the programme will include retail, leisure, travel and tourism,
Seetec will deliver its adult education activity in Greater Manchester in community hubs across the region, aiming to help both learners shape their future careers as well as build on their skills, and employers grow and develop their workforce. As part of the programme, learners will have the opportunity to take part in work-based training and gain experience with local employers through work placements, employability training and on-the-job experience.
Andi MacGregor, Head of Adult Education and Traineeships at Seetec said: “The adult education programme will play a vital role in achieving the industrial strategy of Greater Manchester Combined Authority. As a leading provider of education and training, with a strong history of developing skills and benefiting communities, we’re delighted to have been appointed to deliver the AEB programme. We’ll be working closely with employers, referral partners and the third sector to create opportunities that help move unemployed residents into sustainable employment.”
Cllr Sean Fielding, the GMCA’s portfolio lead for Education, Skills, Work and Apprenticeships, said: “A key priority for us is making sure that every resident of Greater Manchester can meet the challenges and opportunities of the future head-on with the knowledge, skills and resilience they need to build a strong, inclusive economy and communities across all parts of Greater Manchester. The Adult Education Budget is a crucial part of the toolkit that will help us with that. We’re delighted that we now know the range of high quality education and training providers that will be with us at the start this long-term journey of change, and we look forward to working with them to deliver the best possible outcomes for learners.”
