The Carlisle MP is encouraging colleges and further education providers across Cumbria to bid for extra investment.

Organisations are being urged to apply by Tuesday, 20 June 2023, to boost local skills training, by John Stevenson.

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.

The extra investment will provide a boost to local economies, as businesses will have access to the skills they need, in a bid to deliver on the Prime Minister’s promises to grow the economy, as the Conservative Government works to deliver all five of its priorities: halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.

Commenting, John Stevenson, said: “Investing in education and skills will unlock future growth, boost productivity, and help build the skilled workforce of the future in Cumbria.

“It is something I have long been an advocate for, which is why I have hosted a Skills Fair, annually, for the last nine years.

“I welcome the extra £165 million investment in skills training from the Conservative Government and encourage colleges and further education providers across Cumbria 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.”