£5.1 million in funding has been secured by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to expand a series of successful hands-on training programmes over the next year through his West of England Combined Authority.
The cash boost will allow another 1175 West of England residents to take part in the free training courses across the region.
Building on the success of current schemes targeting people in the construction industry, engineering, bus and HGV driving, the new free flexible courses will last up to 16 weeks. Everyone who completes the training will be offered an interview with an employer.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris recently visited one of the current training programmes at Bath College Somer Valley where he met locals gaining new qualifications to work as welders - with guaranteed interviews with big West of England-located firms like EDF Energy. Reflecting on the high-level skills people were learning, he said he was delighted that similar schemes could now expand.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said:
“This is great news for residents. I know from the learners I’ve met already how much they value this training and the opportunity to acquire and develop new skills and develop their careers. Skills and training are a really important part of my role as Metro Mayor, so I’m delighted to secure this extra cash from government to help even more residents, particularly those looking for a new challenge, a fresh start or the chance to return to the workforce. The West of England Authority I lead has a real focus on helping local people get the training they need and deserve to access good-quality, well-paid secure jobs."
