Posted 24 January 2022

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Leeds Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have announced the launch of Skills Connect, an extensive adult skills programme to provide vital training across key sectors, target groups and the West Yorkshire region.

We are delighted to announce a successful tender outcome for the West Yorkshire Graduate Skills Programme, submitted under the leadership of Leeds Trinity University with support from across the GHWY membership. As part of the WYCA’s Skills Connect programme, this will benefit recent graduates facing unemployment or underemployment. It brings together expertise from across twelve GHWY higher education providers and insight from regional employers. It will offer short programmes to raise career management and workplace confidence, enrich understanding of regional labour market opportunities and boost employability skills.

Eligible participants will access Skills Connect programmes for free, funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “A Skills Connect free training course is just what you need to gain new skills suitable for many industries and feel confident and prepared to apply for exciting new job roles, progress in your career or start your career journey after leaving education.”

Claire Newhouse, Director of the Centre for Apprenticeships, Work-based Learning and Skills at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Graduate success is at the heart of everything that we do at Leeds Trinity University and we’re extremely excited to be leading this project, linking graduate talent to the needs of the West Yorkshire economy.”

GHWY will provide further updates as the programme is implemented in early 2022.