1,000 people in West Yorkshire upskilled into better employment opportunities

27 November 2023

A specialist training programme has provided 1,000 people in West Yorkshire with the skills they need to step into much needed roles in the region, Mayor Tracy Brabin has announced.

With courses designed by local employers in sectors such as digital, health and construction, the Mayor’s ‘Skills Connect’ scheme connects local businesses directly with skilled employees.

The programme allows people to train specifically for jobs in the local labour market, taking their careers to the next level and building on existing qualifications and experience.  

Funded by the Mayor, it’s one of the five programmes that make up the region’s wider adult education offer.  

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: 

“I want everyone to progress into secure, well-paid jobs - no matter what their circumstances, age or background. 

“I’m thrilled that 1,000 people have gained the specialist skills they need to unleash their potential from this one programme alone.  

“It will ensure businesses have a strong pool of talent to employ as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.” 

Mum of three, Lerato Khumalo, was the 1,000th person to complete the programme, and recently met the Mayor to discuss what she had learnt and her ambitions for the future. 

The Dewsbury-based graduate enrolled to boost her start up recruitment consultancy, which aims to support women into the construction and engineering industries.

This follows the Mayor’s pledge to ensure that everyone in West Yorkshire has the skills they need to secure work, to break down barriers to skilled roles and increase the number of women and girls working in construction and engineering. 

The 1,000th learner and founder of Hire Haus Recruitment, Lerato Khumalo said: 

“The Skills Connect course I enrolled on was called Reignite Your Career, and that’s exactly what it’s done for me. 

“Having completed similar modules and exercises at university, this time around I was able to practically apply what I was learning to my day-to-day business projects and plans. 

“I now feel I’m on the right path to grow my business and achieve my ambition to help young women from disadvantaged backgrounds improve their career prospects. I’d definitely urge others to enrol.” 

The Reignite Your Career course is designed to support women into careers in the construction industry, with a focus on project management and leadership training.

For more information and to enrol on one of the 30 Skills Connect courses that are currently open for application, visit futuregoals.co.uk/skillsconnect.