Learning throughout our adult lives is beneficial, both personally and for our economy.  With the world of work ever-changing, investing in skills and adult learning has never been more important.      

I’m pleased to see that local communities across the country are set to benefit from a share of £165 million new government funding to transform skills training, that will help get more people into jobs closer to home.  Further education providers are being invited to apply for additional funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which will be used to renovate facilities with up-to-date equipment, help to upskill teachers, and deliver new courses in key subjects such as green construction, carbon capture and cyber security that meet the needs of local employers.

Thousands of people will benefit from this boost to skills training, helping them secure good jobs closer to where they live.  It will also provide a boost to local economies, as employers will have access to a workforce that is better equipped with the specific skills that businesses need to grow.

This initiative builds on the success of the Strategic Development Fund, which has already made £157 million available to the further education sector to invest in a range of projects that have had a huge impact on plugging skills gaps.  This includes investment in the equipment and facilities needed to upskill people in areas such as electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, automation and artificial intelligence.

We have skills gaps across the country and Crawley is no exception.  More so than in other areas, many of the highest-skilled and highest-paid jobs within the town’s boundaries are filled by people commuting in.  Data shows that there is much potential for upskilling in Crawley.

Adults who want to improve their numeracy skills can sign up for free courses and activities with West Sussex County Council, who were awarded £3.6 million by the Conservative government to boost opportunities for more local people to enhance their skills and help secure higher-paid jobs.  Searching on the West Sussex County Council website will bring up a wealth of information, including on improving digital skills.    

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

31st May 2023