20K Learners Milestone Achieved 

We're celebrating the news that team Skills for Growth - SME Support has contributed towards more than 20,000 people across Greater Manchester gaining new skills to help progress their careers thanks to the Skills for Growth programme.

Launched in 2020, commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and funded by the European Social Fund, Skills for Growth is a £42m programme designed to address skills gaps and support employers who've highlighted the shortage of technical skills in Greater Manchester required to grow their business.

Collaborating for Success

As a key partner of GMCA, the GC Business Growth Hub was commissioned as part of the Skills for Growth programme to deliver Skills for Growth - SME Support – an expert consultation service giving businesses across the city-region the opportunity to access tailored advice to help up-skill employees and improve productivity. So far, 3,800 SMEs have been supported through this initiative.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, GMCA lead for Technical Education and Skills, said:

“We are proud of the partnerships we have forged with partners and training providers, which have created invaluable learning opportunities for our residents. As the programme nears its end, we remain committed to supporting the ongoing development and upskilling of our workforce."

Delivered by GC Business Growth Hub in partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Skills for Growth - SME Support team have worked together with Greater Manchester's small-medium size enterprises to upskill employees, improve productivity and drive business growth with access to fully funded training and dedicated Skills Coach support.

Janine Richardson, Programme Manager Skills for Growth - SME Support, said:

"Reaching 20,000 learners across the Skills for Growth programme is a tremendous achievement and shows the dramatic contribution it’s had on the future of Greater Manchester’s SMEs, learners and economy.

“The programme's impact has surpassed our expectations to close skills gaps, with programme learners also experiencing improvements in their wellbeing, motivation and career progression. Our Skills for Growth - SME Support team are proud to have empowered learners to realise their potential with the help of fully funded training and dedicated support."

The Final Countdown - 30th September deadline

As we now progress into the final month of programme delivery, we're urging all of Greater Manchester's SMEs and Learners to take advantage of the programme benefits before it's too late, the 30th September deadline is approaching.