The East Midlands will manage £53 million in Adult Skills Funding locally from August 2025, shifting decision-making from central government to the Mayor of the East Midlands and local authorities. The funding covers programmes including the Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs, aimed at adults aged 19 and over.
Local authorities and the East Midlands Combined County Authority will determine how the money is allocated, focusing on training, apprenticeships, and development opportunities that align with regional labour market needs. Businesses, colleges, independent learning providers, and voluntary organisations will play a key role in shaping delivery.
Consultations and focus groups over the past year have informed the approach, ensuring funding addresses skills gaps, supports workforce development, and targets communities and sectors that need it most.
The move is designed to create a more responsive, locally tailored skills system, linking training directly to employment opportunities and the economic priorities of the East Midlands.
