Devon County Council to Expand Adult Education Services with Additional £1.4 Million Investment

Strategic Insights -

Devon County Council's Cabinet has agreed to commission additional delivery of adult learning from external providers, following a £1.4 million investment from the Department for Education. This move aims to increase access to education and skills training for adult learners in the upcoming academic year. The decision builds on the existing delivery capability of Devon's adult education service, Learn Devon, which currently supports around 6,000 learners each year through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).

The additional funding will enable local residents, including those on low incomes or with caring responsibilities, to access flexible, community-based learning. Courses funded through ASF are designed to align with local labour market needs, helping residents gain qualifications and skills that are in demand. This makes it easier for employers to recruit locally, and by investing in local talent, ASF funding reduces skills gaps and helps build a resilient economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department for Education has invested an additional £1.4 million in Devon County Council's adult education services.
  • Devon's adult education service, Learn Devon, currently supports around 6,000 learners each year through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).
  • The additional funding will enable local residents to access flexible, community-based learning through the Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs.
  • Courses funded through ASF are designed to align with local labour market needs, helping residents gain qualifications and skills that are in demand.
  • The expansion will reduce skills gaps and help build a resilient economy by investing in local talent.
  • Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin highlighted the importance of mobilizing quickly to meet the scale of delivery needed for the upcoming academic year.
  • The additional funding will support delivery of essential skills such as English, maths, and digital literacy, as well as vocational qualifications aligned to local labour market needs.
  • The community learning programs will build confidence, wellbeing, and help progress to further education or employment.

Statistics:

  • The total funding for adult education services in Devon will be £1.4 million from the Department for Education.
  • Learn Devon currently supports around 6,000 learners each year through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).
  • The additional funding will support delivery of courses in areas such as health and social care, construction, and digital.
  • The Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs will support activity under the Adult Skills Fund, supporting delivery of essential skills.

Sources:

  • Crediton Courier "More adult learners to access education and skills training in Devon"
  • Department for Education (no specific date mentioned)
  • Adult Skills Fund (no specific date mentioned)