Newly released data reveals that in the past year alone, 81,000 adults have transitioned into employment, further studies, or advanced in their careers following
training funded by the Mayor. More than half of these individuals come from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds.
Since 2019, over one million learners have participated in skills training, aiding Londoners in improving their lives and providing businesses with essential skills.
The Mayor is urging Londoners to participate in nominations for the 2024 Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards to celebrate these achievements.
The latest data highlights that over 80,000 Londoners secured jobs or pursued further studies last year after engaging in Mayor-funded skills training. Mayor Sadiq Khan commended the significant impact of adult learners on the capital’s economy, noting the dual benefit of enhanced business skills and personal development for Londoners.
Twenty percent of London businesses struggle to find employees with essential skills, including digital proficiency and basic English and numeracy. Providing Londoners with industry-relevant skills is crucial for supporting business growth and economic prosperity. With a tightening labour market and rising unemployment projected to reach five percent by June 2024, equipping Londoners with necessary skills is more important than ever.
The second annual London Learner Survey, the only survey of its kind in the country, reveals the following key findings from the past year:
- 81,000 non-retired learners secured employment, continued their studies, or advanced in their careers after training funded by the Mayor’s Adult Education Budget (AEB).
- 59% of these learners were from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds.
- 34% of learners were employed in the Education, Healthcare, or Hospitality sectors, supporting growth and addressing skills shortages in these crucial areas.
- 94% of participants experienced positive social changes, including improved well-being and confidence.
- 24% of unemployed learners found employment.
- 39% of employed learners advanced in their careers, with half receiving a pay increase averaging eight percent.
- 65% of all learners began or planned to start further training.
Since the devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) to the Mayor in August 2019, City Hall has managed London’s annual £320m budget, funding most of the further education for Londoners aged 19 and over, excluding apprenticeships. Over one million learners have benefited from skills training, enhancing their lives and providing businesses with vital skills, particularly in key economic sectors. City Hall funds thousands of courses, from green job skills to technology roles.
The Mayor is also encouraging Londoners to participate in the Adult Learning Awards this year, with nominations now open. These awards celebrate achievements within London’s dynamic further education sector, raising awareness and accessibility of adult learning opportunities. City Hall will host a prize-giving ceremony in Autumn.
Mayor Sadiq Khan stated: “As the cost of living crisis continues, it’s vital that Londoners have access to the training they need to develop skills that businesses are crying out for. I’m delighted to see the difference that the capital’s thousands of adult learners are making to the economy and to their own lives, gaining new employment opportunities, pay increases and increased well-being, as well as giving businesses the skills boost they need.
“Whether it be a green job, or one in healthcare or tech, I urge all Londoners to take a look at the huge range of courses available and see where further learning could take them. My annual Adult Learning Awards is always an inspiring occasion to hear about how skills training can change lives, and, with nominations now open, I encourage Londoners to get involved as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.” Photo by DaringDonna, Wikimedia commons.