People and Skills

Funding for People and Skills interventions is due to start in Greater Manchester in 2023. This is thanks to GMCA using money available through the recycled Local Growth Fund and government moving the flexibility forward to April 2023.  

Following extensive data analysis, evidence reviews and consultations with key local stakeholders, the People & Skills element of UKSPF will encompass the following programmes of activity:

• Community Grants Programme – this has been designed to ensure that our VCSE sector organisations can bid for smaller amounts of funding for local community-based projects which support some of the regions hardest to reach and disengaged residents/communities. The programme will be funded initially The programme will be managed and administered by a Managing Agent which will be procured via The Chest.
• Activity to support NEET young people – local authorities will be granted funding to deliver NEET activity locally, using direct delivery, current provision or by commissioning new activity.
• Support for employed residents - this programme will provide access to funded skills training for employed GM residents. Work is currently ongoing using local skills intelligence and data to determine what this will look like, and which sectors it will support. It is anticipated that this activity will be procured via the FPS.
• Working Well: Support to Succeed – a new addition to GMCA’s wider Working Well (External site) suite of programmes. It will support Greater Manchester residents aged 19 and over who are not currently accessing learning support or seeking employment. The initiative will offer person-centred, one-to-one support with work experience, life skills and employability skills, from CV writing to job application and interview preparation, with the aim of addressing and overcoming barriers preventing employment and progressing towards goals and aspirations. There will also be a dedicated offer to people over the age of 50 experiencing age-related challenges such as concerns about returning to work or developing skills.

The commissioning activity for the above interventions is taking place over summer 2023. Organisations need to be on GMCA's Flexible Procurement System (FPS) to bid for opportunities. More information on the FPS, including details of future application workshops, can be found on the FPS webpage.

GM Multiply Programme

Multiply is a new national programme funded by UKSPF to help adults aged 19+ who do not have a qualification in Level 2 Maths/Numeracy or equivalent. The GM Multiply Scheme will support adults to improve their numeracy skills, become more confident with numbers and help them to progress in life.

The scheme aims to support residents living in the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester, as well as care leavers and ex-offenders. More information can be found on the Multiply webpage.

If you're looking for opportunities to improve your own skills and career prospects, or are an organisation signposting residents to employment opportunities and support, there are many fully-funded and part-funded training programmes available in Greater Manchester. Visit our Work and Skills webpage or Employ GM (external website) for more details.