Over 200,000 have accessed Level 3 qualifications through Greater Manchester Adult Education Budget

Since Greater Manchester took greater control over its Adult Education Budget in 2019, more than 200,000 city-region residents have accessed free Level 3 qualifications.

The city-region has now launched a further tranche of Level 3 qualifications, worth of £10 million to further help Greater Manchester residents access jobs, gain skills to progress in their careers and drive economic growth.

The new courses have been made possible due to Greater Manchester’s ‘single pot’ funding approach, which was introduced in August 2022. The city-region is the first and only devolved area in the country to have adopted this simplified approach, which works by amalgamating different funding streams and eligibility criteria into one. This model makes accessing Level 3 qualifications easier for residents and employers, as well as skills providers.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s lead for Technical Education, Skills and Work said:

“I hope residents and employers take full advantage of the free courses that are now on offer in Greater Manchester.  These courses will help people to access the jobs or advance their careers in the growing and exciting sectors of our economy. 

“Skills funding is often complex which can make it difficult for authorities and providers to ensure the right courses are available to support residents and our local economy.  In Greater Manchester we’ve been able to bring different funding streams together to provide what I believe is one of the most comprehensive and effective skills training offers in the country.” 

Joanne Roney OBE, Greater Manchester’s Chief Executive lead for Education, Work, Skills, Apprenticeships and Digital and Chief Executive at Manchester City Council, said:

“This is another great example of Greater Manchester doing things differently and we should be really proud of how we have simplified funding for these level 3 courses to benefit the lives of people living in the city-region.

“Greater Manchester is determined to give people the skills they need to get on in life and grow our economy.  This is the best way for our people and our place to thrive.” 

The new Level 3 courses are available to any GM resident aged 19 and over, with an existing Level 3 qualification, irrespective of income or employment status, who want to change careers or progress within their sector.  Employers are also being encouraged to put employees forward for courses to help upskill their workforce. 

The full list of available courses funded by the city-region’s Adult Education Budget can be found here.