Adult Education Budget (AEB)

Adult Skills Funding

The devolved Adult Skills Fund supports education and training for adults aged 19 and above in Liverpool City Region. It aims to provide the learning that adults need to progress into work or to advance their career. It also aims to prepare them for further learning or training.

A wide range of courses are supported through the Adult Skills Fund, including:

· English, Maths and ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)

· Digital skills

· Creative industries

· Engineering and green technologies

· Construction and logistics

· Health and social care

If you’re aged 19+ and looking to increase your skills, then Adult Skills Funding could be the right choice for you…

Did you know that many of our Adult Skills funded courses are free for LCR residents aged 19 and above?

Each academic year, we see tens of thousands of learners enrol on Adult Skills funded courses. Learners can access a range of provision, from entry level skills all the way to higher Level 3 qualifications. There are a variety of face-to-face and online courses available, helping you access the learning you need around your schedule.

Adult Skills funded courses have played important roles in many of our learners lives, helping them progress in the workplace, integrate into their local communities and find new careers.

If you are interested, please browse our list of providers and the courses they offer below. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the providers and they can assess if you are eligible for funding.

The Adult Skills Fund has helped refugees to learn English through football as part of the Test and Learn pilot.

Watch how the funding has allowed Hope United at St. Helen’s College to develop their skills

Invested in provision for learners through our Digital Access Grants through the Covid-19 pandemic

Of Adult Skills funding used to benefit Liverpool City Region residents

Learners accessed Adult Skills funded courses

Of learners came from the most deprived geographical areas

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been responsible for funding Adult Skills provision for LCR residents since devolution in 2019. This has enabled flexible, tailored programmes of learning to be delivered by providers across the city region, and has helped ensure employers across the city region can access the skilled workforce they need to grow and thrive.

LCRCA contracts with a range of colleges, local authorities and independent training providers to ensure a wide range of courses are available for residents across the region.

Now in the fifth year of delivery, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will continue to tailor the skills and adult education system to address local priorities and support residents into education, training and work.

Following the most recent procurement process which completed in early 2022, we have awarded contracts on an annual basis with the option to extend each year until 2027.

For training providers, please be advised any future procurement opportunities will be advertised on The Chest: North West Procurement Portal.