Hull and East Yorkshire gains control over £19m adult skills fund for 2026/27
Mayor Campbell focuses on building skills for local careers
The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) is set to gain control over a £19 million adult skills fund for the 2026/27 academic year, marking a significant shift in power towards local governance.
With this new authority, HEYCA will oversee funding for adult skills, bootcamps, and training courses. This move intends to tailor opportunities to meet the specific needs of local residents and businesses, enhancing employability and economic growth in the region.
The shift to local governance allows HEYCA to play a central role in shaping the skills training based on what local people and employers need. Mayor Luke Campbell, leader of HEYCA, stated that the fund's strategy will focus on empowering Hull and East Yorkshire residents with the necessary skills to excel in the local job market.
“This is what devolution is supposed to be about,” he said. “We know our area, we know where the opportunities are and we hear directly from businesses and residents about what they need. So having more of these decisions made here makes sense.”
As part of the devolution, HEYCA aims to make adult skills provision more adaptable to learner needs, collaborating with neighboring areas to provide access to courses outside East Yorkshire.
Alongside this initiative, Mayor Campbell is advocating for more technical and non-academic routes into skilled jobs. He emphasizes early intervention in education, warning against waiting until youth reach 16 years old to start technical training.
“Our region knows what it needs. That is why I want mayors to have more influence over 16-19 education and skills. I am determined to join things up locally and turn that into better opportunities for young people and stronger growth for our region.”
With these measures, HEYCA aims not only to align skills development with economic needs but also to reduce inequality and boost the wellbeing of its citizens. The authority is expected to work collaboratively with colleges, councils, training providers, and employers to ensure the effective delivery of the adult skills programme.