Since responsibility for adult education within West Yorkshire fell to Mayor Tracy Brabin, more than 159,000 people have signed up for training opportunities.
As announced by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, £198 million worth of devolved investment has been put into launching a wide range of educational opportunities for local people. This has helped to support the improvement of skills within communities, as well as improving the chances of people getting into better, well-paid jobs.
This also supports the labour market within West Yorkshire, as improved education widens the pool of skilled workers that local businesses can recruit from.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“I want everyone in West Yorkshire to have the chance to unleash their potential – and it’s working.
“Devolution has given us the freedom to invest in what’s best for our region and support people into real jobs, which simply wouldn’t be possible from Whitehall.
“We’re working closely with businesses to help them thrive and providing opportunities throughout our commitment to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
This news comes alongside the launch of the project to deliver the West Yorkshire Plan. The regional mission will work to ensure that people have the skills that they need to improve their opportunities, whilst also supporting businesses to thrive. This was launched in June 2023, setting out the five ways that West Yorkshire’s jobs, housing, transport, and climate can be boosted.
Touching on the announcement, Leader of Leeds City Council and Chair of the Combined Authority’s Business, Economy, and Innovation Committee Cllr James Lewis, added:
“I want everyone in West Yorkshire to have the chance to unleash their potential - and it’s working.
“Devolution has given us the freedom to invest in what’s best for our region and support people into real jobs, which simply wouldn’t be possible from Whitehall.
“We know learning and qualifications help people to access better-paid jobs, and this is supporting families during a cost of living crisis as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire."
Image credit: iStock
