Residents encouraged to enrol in learning opportunities during Lifelong Learning Week

West Midlands residents are being encouraged to take up free learning opportunities to help boost their career prospects and earning potential during  Lifelong Learning Week, which this year takes place from 6 to 10 November 2023.

Led by Learning and Work Institute and supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) the week is an opportunity to raise the profile of lifelong learning. People with at least a Level 3 qualification are more likely to be in a job and be able to earn more than those that don’t. The week kicks off with the theme of learning for career change.

Asha Kaur is one of thousands of local people who have boosted their career prospects and employability by gaining a Level 3 qualification. After working in the manufacturing industry for many years and looking for a career change to HR, the doors of opportunity were opened for Coventry-based Asha after pursuing and achieving a CIPD Level 3 Foundation qualification in People Practice at Coventry College.

L-R Mayor Andy Street, Asha Kaur, Nick Bailey at the 2023 ALA Awards

Despite feeling nervous about going back into a formal education setting after three decades away, Asha is a prime example of the rewards that can be gained by stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve your career goals and was recognised for her achievements by winning an Adult Learning Award for Step into Learning earlier this year.

Asha said, "I really pushed myself to do this course having not been in education for many years. It was challenging at times, but well worth it to achieve my ambitions of improving my life and achieving something for myself. This was my main motivation to step into the unknown and I wanted to make the most of a new opportunity to learn and grow.

"My learning journey has given me confidence and knowledge whilst gaining new skills. My family and friends have commented on the transformation in my self-esteem.

"At work I am able to question the way things are done in HR and Management. My colleagues also take me more seriously and see that I have gained knowledge.

"I feel inspired by others, sharing my knowledge with them and learning from my peers. I have met new people and learnt new things. My tutors and colleagues have been hugely supportive. Looking back now, I feel that I should have started this learning journey earlier and not been afraid."

ONS Survey figures show 59% of 16 to 64 year olds in the region are now qualified to a Level 3 (an increase from 54.9% in July 2023) and evidence shows that people with a level 3 qualification are more likely to be employed and less likely to need to claim benefits and job vacancies that require a level 3 qualification pay more than those that don’t.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said, “Asha’s story proves the value of gaining a Level 3 qualification to support career progression.

“The WMCA has increased investment significantly in Level 3 skills training for our residents from £4.5m in 2019 to £29m in 2023. If local people have at least a Level 3 qualification, the evidence shows that opens up new job opportunities and boosts longer term career prospects. To encourage take up, we continue to offer learners Level 3 training free of charge if they’re earning less than £30,000.

“So if you’re a young person in the West Midlands or you’re currently in employment but seeking to upskill, I would urge you to find out more about what’s available.”

Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio lead for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council, said, “It is encouraging to see that there has been an increase in the percentage of residents with Level 3 qualifications in the region and to hear Asha’s story. A higher skilled workforce not only boosts employability, it supports the region’s economy. The package on offer to support skills development, especially for those residents on lower-than-average incomes, will help to boost employability in the region.”

Aysha Anwar, business lecturer at Coventry College, said: "It was difficult for Asha entering education as a mature adult and learning how to write assignments, but she has worked hard and has overcome a lack confidence and self-belief.

"Asha implements the learning into her workplace and offers them advice and guidance on how to improve. She is a credit to her organisation."

For more information about what is on offer visit the WMCA’s Level 3 training offer web pages. Also visit National Careers Service for more information.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) offers a package of measures to improve people’s skills and qualifications so they can get into work or land a better job aiming to improve the region’s qualification levels as part of its ambition for a healthier, happier, better connected and more prosperous West Midlands.
• A part of this package in July 2023, the WMCA announced that people in the West Midlands earning £30,000 a year (average salary in the West Midlands) or less can take advantage of free Level 3 job training.

A Level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or two A levels.

About the West Midlands Combined Authority

Led by the Mayor of the West Midlands, the WMCA brings together 17 local councils to oversee the transfer of powers and funding from Whitehall to the West Midlands.

The WMCA is putting these new powers from government back where they belong, in local hands, bringing the region together to build a healthier, happier, better connected and more prosperous West Midlands.

Billions of pounds are being invested by the WMCA to improve the region’s transport network, transform its derelict industrial land into new homes and workplaces, support existing businesses and help grow the innovative, green industries of the future.

At the heart of this vision is a strong economy that is both green and inclusive, one that supports the region’s ambition to be net zero carbon by 2041 and offers everyone the opportunity of a good quality, affordable home and the skills needed for a worthwhile job.