Hundreds of free qualifications on offer to boost skills and jobs
Adults in Coventry and Warwickshire can gain the skills they need at any stage of their lives following the launch of a major scheme by the government.
The government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee offers almost 400 free qualifications across a range of subjects, such as engineering, social care, plumbing and many more.
The scheme, which has been backed by £95 million in government funding in 2021/22, is available to any adult who has not already achieved a qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels).
Marion Plant, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Productivity and Skills Business Group, said the Lifetime Skills Guarantee will help adults to gain skills and secure jobs.
“These free courses will help adults to boost their career prospects, wages and help fill skills gaps while supporting the economy, which is one of the driving forces of the CWLEP’s Strategic Reset Framework,” she said.
“The Lifetime Skills Guarantee initiative aims to transform the skills system so everyone, no matter where they live or what their background is, can gain the skills they need to progress in work at any stage of their lives.
“It will also ensure employers have access to the skilled workforce they need, and more people are trained for the skills gaps that exist now and in the future.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “As we cautiously lift lockdown restrictions, the government’s focus is on recovering from the pandemic and building back better.
“The Lifetime Skills Guarantee is fundamental to that – with free courses giving adults the expertise they need to find new, better jobs.
“My message is clear. At every stage of your life, we will help you get the skills you need to train, retrain, and get into jobs you want and our economy needs.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “The launch of these free qualifications for adults is a pivotal moment in the delivery of our Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which will make sure everyone can train, retrain or upskill throughout their lives.
“As we build back better and rebuild our economy, it is vital we level up more opportunities for people across the country and help more people progress in work.
“This offer will help give millions of adults the chance to gain the skills they need to secure rewarding careers in key sectors of the economy including construction, healthcare and digital. With almost 400 to choose from, there is something there for everyone.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey MP said: “Opening up a wider choice of courses and qualifications for jobseekers could be the clincher that lands them their next job.
“Helping people get the skills they need is a central part of our Plan for Jobs which is already supporting people of all ages into work as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Further information is available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifications-in-new-funded-offers
Thousands of adults are also already benefiting from Skills Bootcamps, giving people the chance to upskill or retrain in key sectors like construction and digital from free, flexible courses which last up to 16 weeks.
Skills Bootcamps – which are currently running in six areas of the country including the West Midlands – provide a chance to learn specific skills and offer a fast-track to an interview with a local employer at the end. Skills Bootcamps will be expanded across the country later this year. More information is available from: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-skills-fund
