Three new programmes designed to tackle skills shortages will “break down barriers to learning”, according to York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith.
More than 1,000 learners and tutors are set to benefit from the programmes which have received investment from the mayor’s skills innovation fund.
Announcing the funding, Mr Skaith said:
“Opportunity should be within everyone’s reach.
“My focus is on making that a reality – by helping people develop the skills they need and supporting them into good jobs.
“These three programmes are a vital step forward.
“Not only do they address skills needs for the tech jobs of the future, but they also ensure that opportunity will reach people from all walks of life by breaking down barriers to learning and supporting people on their next steps towards employment.”
The £2.4m fund aims to support skills development in the York and North Yorkshire region over two years, ending in March 2027.
40 applications were received by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority following a call for projects earlier this year.
Three successful applications will receive a share of the funding.
They include a partnership of further education colleges in the area, including Askham Bryan College, Craven College, Harrogate College, Selby College, Darlington College, Scarborough TEC and York College, and the adult learning services in North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.
The programme will focus on skills supporting digital and low carbon jobs, introducing new courses for learners, upskilling tutors and investing in new equipment and infrastructure.
They are aiming to support 420 learners and 150 tutors, delivering 15 courses, and make improvements to seven teaching facilities.
Not-for-profit organisation Better Connect, will lead a programme delivered by more than 30 organisations.
Their work will focus on learners who are disengaged from education. Their approach weaves numeracy, literacy, digital and independent living skills into creative activities that aim to inspire lifelong learning.
The programme aims to develop and deliver 50 courses, training 120 disengaged learners in priority sectors.
University of York and York Creatives has received funding for a programme called Extending XR which seeks to provide creative technology skills training across the region for learners and tutors and develop a forum to strengthen local ties in the region’s creative sector.
The programme aims to support 338 learners and 20 tutors, delivering at least 20 courses.
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