Mayor hails success of skills training funded by City Hall

Mayor hails success of skills training funded by

City Hall

• New data published today shows that in the last year alone, 81,000 adults moved into employment, further study or progressed in work following training funded by the Mayor
• More than half of these were from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds
• Since 2019 more than one million learners have taken part in skills training, helping Londoners improve their lives and providing businesses with the skills they need to thrive
• Mayor urges Londoners to get involved with nominations for his 2024 Mayor of London Adult Learning awards to celebrate achievements

More than 80,000 Londoners found jobs or went on to further studies in the last year, after taking up skills training funded by the Mayor, new data reveals.

The Mayor, Sadiq Khan, hailed the contribution that adult learners make to the capital’s economy, with businesses boosted by extra skills and Londoners improving their lives after benefitting from further training.

Twenty percent of businesses in London face challenges finding employees with key skills,* including digital skills and essential English and numeracy. Giving Londoners access to industry-relevant skills is essential to helping businesses and the economy to thrive. A tightening labour market and growing unemployment, up to an estimated five per cent in June 2024**, means it's more important than ever to give Londoners the skills they need to access good jobs.

The London Learner Survey, now in its second year and the only one of its kind in the country, is published today by City Hall. The survey shows that, in the last year alone:

• A total of 81,000 non-retired learners got into employment, further study or progressed in work following training funded by the Mayor’s Adult Education Budget (AEB).
• More than half of these (59 per cent) were from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds. 
• Over a third of learners (34 per cent) were working in the Education, Healthcare or Hospitality sectors, helping these key areas of the economy to grow and address skills shortages. 
• Almost all Londoners (94 per cent) participating in Adult Education Budget (AEB) experienced positive social change as a result of learning, including boosts to their wellbeing and confidence.
• Almost one-quarter (24 per cent) of learners out of work were supported into employment.
• Four in ten (39 per cent) learners in employment experienced progression in work, of which half experienced a pay increase following their course. Those progressing in work saw their earnings increase by an average of eight per cent.
• 65 per cent of all learners started or were going to start further training.

Since the Adult Education Budget (AEB) was devolved to the Mayor in August 2019, City Hall has been responsible for London’s annual £320m budget, funding the majority of further education for Londoners aged 19 and over, excluding apprenticeships. More than one million learners have taken part in skills training since then, helping Londoners improve their lives and giving businesses the skills they need to thrive, including those in sectors key to London’s economy. City Hall funds thousands of courses, from skills needed for green jobs to those needed to secure a role in technology.

The Mayor is also urging Londoners to get involved in his Adult Learning Awards this year, with nominations now open. The Awards celebrate the achievements within London’s thriving further education sector, helping to increase accessibility and awareness of adult learning opportunities in the capital. City Hall will host a prize-giving ceremony in Autumn.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “As the cost of living crisis continues, it’s vital that Londoners have access to the training they need to develop skills that businesses are crying out for. I’m delighted to see the difference that the capital’s thousands of adult learners are making to the economy and to their own lives, gaining new employment opportunities, pay increases and increased well-being, as well as giving businesses the skills boost they need.

“Whether it be a green job, or one in healthcare or tech, I urge all Londoners to take a look at the huge range of courses available and see where further learning could take them. My annual Adult Learning Awards is always an inspiring occasion to hear about how skills training can change lives, and, with nominations now open, I encourage Londoners to get involved as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.”

Arinola Edeh CBE, Principal of Westminster Adult Education Service and member of the Skills for Londoners Board said: “At WAES we see the transformational impact of adult learning every day. From helping Londoners get the training they need to get a good job and improve their living standards, to helping businesses address the skills gaps holding them back, skills play an important role for people, communities and businesses across the capital.”

“I’m delighted that this data once again highlights the significant impact of London’s Adult Education Budget, and it’s been great to work with City Hall on this pioneering survey.”

Anna Devlet, Head of Social Sustainability, British Land, and member of the Jobs & Skills Business Partnership said: “London is a vibrant and dynamic place to do businesses, but too many employers face skills shortages that are holding them back. From construction to green tech, training can support growing and emerging sectors meet demand and get the skills they need. This new data points to this impact, demonstrating the vital role the Mayor’s Adult Education Budget plays in London’s economy.”

Writer Shani Akilah (30), said: “I signed up to a short stories course at City Lit in 2019 and five years later I am a published author of a short story collection called ‘For Such A Time As This’ (Oneworld).

“The various courses I completed at City Lit were instrumental in my journey to publication, allowing me to develop my craft as a writer.”