Colleges in East Lancashire are being urged to bid for 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.

Off the back of this, Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson is encouraging colleges and further education providers across East Lancashire to bid for extra investment by Tuesday, June 20, to boost local skills training.

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.

Mr Stephenson said: “Investing in education and skills will unlock future growth, boost productivity, and help build the skilled workforce of the future in Lancashire.

“That is why I welcome the extra £165m investment in skills training from the Government and encourage colleges and further education providers across Lancashire 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.”

It's hoped the investment will be a boost to local economies and provide employers with workers who have the skills they need.

Minister for skills, apprenticeships and higher education, Robert Halfon MP, said: “Building a world-class skills and apprenticeships nation means listening to the specific needs of local people, businesses, and institutions.

“This funding will revolutionise how we plug local skills gaps and provide a boost to the economy.

"Supporting colleges to better meet the needs of local employers not only boosts businesses, it extends the ladder of opportunity to even more people from all backgrounds who will be equipped with the skills they need to secure a rewarding job close to home.”