London’s hospitality, education and healthcare sectors benefit from City Hall training

New figures have revealed that last year more than 80,000 Londoners found work or continued their studies after receiving specialist training funded by the Mayor.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has welcomed the contribution adult learners make to the capital’s economy, with businesses growing thanks to additional skills and Londoners improving their lives through further training.

Twenty per cent of London businesses face challenges in recruiting staff with key skills, including digital literacy, basic English and numeracy.

To help businesses and the economy grow, it is vital that Londoners have access to the skills the industry needs.

With a tightening labour market and rising unemployment set to reach five per cent by June 2024, it is more important than ever to ensure Londoners have the skills they need to access good jobs.

The London Learner Survey, now in its second year and the only one of its kind in the country, was published today by City Hall. The survey shows that over the past year:

• A total of 81,000 students who did not retire found employment, continued their studies or progressed into work following training funded by the Mayor’s Adult Education Budget (AEB).
• More than half of them (59 per cent) were from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.
• More than a third of students (34 per cent) worked in the education, healthcare or hospitality sectors, helping these key areas of the economy grow and address skills shortages.
• Almost all Londoners (94 per cent) participating in the Adult Education Budget (AEB) experienced positive social changes as a result of their learning, including improvements in their wellbeing and self-confidence.
• Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of unemployed learners received support to find employment.
• Four in ten (39%) working learners experienced progress in their job, with half of them experiencing a pay increase after graduation. Professionally developing people saw their earnings increase by an average of eight percent.
• 65 percent of all students had started or intended to start further education.

Since August 2019, when the Adult Education Budget (AEB) was handed over to the Mayor, the City Hall has been responsible for London’s £320 million annual budget, funding the majority of continuing education spending for Londoners aged 19 and over, excluding apprenticeships .

Since then, more than a million students have taken part in skills training, helping Londoners improve their lives and providing businesses with the skills they need to thrive, including in sectors that are key to London’s economy. City Hall funds thousands of courses, from the skills needed for green jobs to those needed to secure a role in technology.

The Mayor is also urging Londoners to enter this year’s Adult Learning Awards, with nominations now open. The awards recognise achievements in London’s thriving further education sector, helping to increase access to and awareness of adult learning opportunities in the capital. An awards ceremony will be held at City Hall in the autumn.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “With the cost of living crisis continuing, it is vital that Londoners have access to the training they need to develop the skills that businesses demand. I’m delighted to see the difference that thousands of adult learners in the capital are making on the economy and their own lives, gaining new job opportunities, pay rises and improved wellbeing, as well as providing businesses with the skills boost they need.

“Whether it’s green work, healthcare or technology, I encourage all Londoners to explore the wide range of courses available and see where further learning could take them. My annual Adult Learning Awards are always an inspiring opportunity to hear about how skills training can change lives and, with nominations now open, I encourage Londoners to get involved and continue to build a better, fairer London for all.”

Arinola Edeh CBE, Director of Westminster Adult Education Service and Member of the Skills for Londoners Council, said: “At WAES, we see the transformative impact of adult learning every day. From helping Londoners get the training they need to find good jobs and improve their standard of living, to helping businesses close the skills gaps that hold them back, skills play a vital role for people, communities and businesses across the capital.”

“I am delighted that this data once again highlights the significant impact of London’s adult education budget. It has been great to work with City Hall on this pioneering survey.”

Reflecting on the diversity of experiences in our industry