Funding information for employers

Adult Education Budget (AEB)

The AEB aims to engage adults and employers to provide the skills and learning needed in the region to equip adults for work, upskill current employers and find specialist training. The AEB enables more flexible, tailored programmes of learning to be made available in the West Midlands, to help eligible adults engage in learning, build confidence, enhance their wellbeing and provide future opportunities.

Why?

The WMCA, in its Regional Skills Plan, sets out the key challenges in the local labour market, including:

A low employment rate and high levels of unemployment in some parts of the region

Growing issues of poverty for those in employment, driven by low wage levels

Low skill levels in the population, with fewer people qualified to Level 4 and above and more people with no qualifications, compared to other areas

Persistent skills shortages faced by employers

The WMCA has identified that it can use the AEB to enhance the quality of life, self-confidence and opportunities to its adult residents, while supporting employers to provide them with the talent and skills they need from staff to boost productivity and growth.

How?

We will align our AEB to priority individuals, communities and sectors to drive up skill levels, provide sustainable employment and enhance skills at higher levels, eventually improving productivity across the region. Through commissioning, AEB will focus on the following:

Innovate: Develop fresh approaches to learning delivery to meet WMCA priorities in key sectors including construction and digital

Talent & Progression: Focus on developing pathways into employment and enhancing the skills of those already employed, enabling progression opportunities

Collaboration: Working collaboratively to develop relationships with our provider networks to create an agile and responsive skills system aligned to the needs of business and individuals in the region

Performance Through People are a delivery partner of WMCA providing part and fully funded support to local residents seeking to upskill in Engineering/Manufacturing and Business and Professional sectors. To discuss your specific needs in complete confidence please do not hesitate to call 01922 651100 or email info@ptp-training.co.uk.