Adults and young people across Milton Keynes will benefit from more high-quality and flexible education and training as a result of a skills boost.
The Department for Education has awarded £150 million to colleges and universities to modernise and upgrade their facilities and equipment to boost access to higher technical training.
This funding is also set to help with flexible courses in key subjects, such as engineering, healthcare and science, that will help tackle regional skills gaps and level up local economies.
This includes funding that has been awarded following a small formula allocation and a bidding exercise to:
- Milton Keynes College - £11,594
- The Open University - £30,000
People looking to upskill or retrain will have access to more than 100 short courses starting from September next year, lasting between six weeks to a year, supporting them to space out their studies and learn at a pace that works for them.
More than 20 universities and colleges will offer the courses in subjects where there are skills shortages, such as Digital, Net Zero, Education, STEM and Healthcare – offering an alternative to studying a traditional three-year degree.
A further nine Institutes of Technology have been announced bringing the total to 21 across the country and delivering on the government’s manifesto commitment, including the South Central Institute of Technology in Bletchley.
Institutes of Technology are unique collaborations between employers, colleges and universities that specialise in offering high-quality Higher Technical Education and training in subjects.
Commenting, Iain Stewart MP said: "The funding for the Open University and MK College will provide constituents with more high-quality and flexible education and training.
"This is part of this Government's levelling up agenda, giving local people the chance to upskill or retrain."
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter their age or life stage, is a vital part of our mission to level up this country.
“These measures, including our new short courses and nine new Institutes of Technology, will boost access to more high-quality and flexible education and training – giving people the chance to learn at a pace that is right for them, while ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to boost our economy.”
Additionally, young people starting new T Level qualifications in 2023 in subjects such as Media, Broadcast and Production, Animal Care and Management and Catering are also set to benefit from over £150 million investment to upgrade teaching facilities and equipment.
The Department for Education has also confirmed that students studying courses including T Levels will benefit from an extra £615 million cash boost in the 2022-23 financial year so every young person can continue to access the training they need to succeed. The cash injection will see per student funding boosted by over 8%.
