11 NOV 2023
£165 million allocated to 40 colleges as part of the local skills improvement fund.
The UK Department for Education (DfE) has allocated £165 million to forty colleges as part of the local skills improvement fund. These grants, ranging from £2.4 million to £10 million, aim to develop new facilities and courses in line with local skills needs identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). The funding is spread over two financial years, with £80 million allocated for the current year, split between revenue and capital, and £85 million designated for capital only in 2024-25.
The UK Department for Education (DfE) has allocated £165 million to forty colleges as part of the local skills improvement fund. These grants, ranging from £2.4 million to £10 million, aim to develop new facilities and courses in line with local skills needs identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). The funding is spread over two financial years, with £80 million allocated for the current year, split between revenue and capital, and £85 million designated for capital only in 2024-25.
Key recipients include Solihull College and University Centre, along with 19 other colleges, IoTs, and universities, receiving the largest funding of £10.3 million, supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. This funding will address local skills gaps in engineering, manufacturing, green construction, and digital sectors. Another significant award of £8.5 million went to Wigan and Leigh College and its 18 Greater Manchester partners for projects in construction, digital technology, health and social care, engineering, manufacturing, and green skills.
A focus on green skills is evident across various projects. For instance, MidKent College in Kent plans to use part of its £5 million grant to establish a new training facility for courses in retrofit energy efficiency measures and renewable and sustainable energy solutions. These courses will include areas like thermal imaging, aerial survey, mapping, and virtual reality simulations for engineering and construction challenges.
Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan, highlighted that this investment aims to boost local industries, enhance skills, future-proof the economy, and improve career prospects for the next generation. She emphasized the role of these local skills projects in uniting regional organizations, businesses, and educational providers to meet employer needs, thereby cultivating a more skilled workforce and fostering local economic growth.
For the full list of colleges that received funding, please CLICK HERE.