More than 10,000 Greater Manchester residents reached by Skills for Growth programme

Over 10,000 people in Greater Manchester have gained career support via the Skills for Growth programme since it launched in 2020.

The programme has revealed the scale of skills training provided so far following a funding award from the European Social Fund that will support Skills for Growth for a further three years. The scheme sees Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) work with businesses and training providers to provide targeted opportunities to meet skills gaps in the city-region’s workforce.

Over 10,000 Greater Manchester residents have now completed fully-funded training through the programme. Over 49% of learners were female, more than 20% from racially minoritised communities, and 17% were over the age of 50.

Since the programme launched in 2020, 11 training providers have been commissioned to deliver a wide range of skills across Digital, Construction, Health and Social Care, Early Years, Allies in Cancer Care, Manufacturing, Logistics, Security, Green Skills, Media, Blue Light Services and other professional training opportunities.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Greater Manchester’s Skills for Growth programme is going from strength to strength with more than 10,000 employees in the city-region armed with in-demand skills to improve their careers. The programme also benefits employers by helping them to fill specific skills shortages and vacancies, increasing productivity within their organisations. 

“Having local control over funding for training programmes such as Skills for Growth, gives the city-region power to ensure our employment and skills system is matching the needs of our businesses with talent they can hire locally.

“The Skills for Growth programme has played a huge part in the creation of new opportunities, bridging skills shortages, and building our economy, but we can do more by making our region the first in the UK to have a fully integrated system of technical education.”

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s Lead for Education, Work, Skills, Apprenticeships and Digital, said:

“I’m extremely proud Greater Manchester’s Skills for Growth has reached this significant milestone.

“We have experienced a rapid growth of demand for skilled workers from businesses in the city-region, ranging from digital to health and social care. As continuous learning and upskilling become key to the success of business and individuals, we will continue supporting employers with the most diverse, qualified and employment-ready talent to boost employment and prosperity in the city region.

“I’d like to thank our partners and training providers for their support and the important role they have played in reaching this milestone.”

Joanne Roney, Greater Manchester’s Chief Executive lead for skills and apprenticeships, said:

“More than 10,000 people have already benefitted from the Skills for Growth programme, which is something we’re very proud of. Empowering people to realise their career goals, whilst providing local business with a talented workforce is a major priority for us. I’m excited to see more businesses and residents take advantage of the opportunities available through the programme.”

One of GMCA’s key partners, The Growth Company was commissioned as part of the Skills for Growth programme to deliver ‘Skills for Growth – SME Support’ – an expert consultation service giving businesses across the city-region the opportunity to access tailored advice to help up-skill employees and improve productivity. So far, 3,000 SMEs have been supported through this initiative.

Janine Richardson, Programme Manager, Skills for Growth – SME Support, said:

“What a phenomenal milestone to achieve, reaching 10,000 participants across the Skills for Growth programme. We’re thrilled to have played our part by supporting over 7,000 employees from across a wide spectrum of ages, experience levels and sectors, covering Greater Manchester’s SME landscape. The collaborative mission continues as we strive to upskill employees, improve productivity and drive business growth.”