Adult Skills

Adults talking and working together around a table

Jan 2, 2025

Find out more about adult learning commissioned by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Adult Skills Fund

As part of York and North Yorkshire’s devolution deal, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has taken responsibility for the region’s Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs funding.

The purpose of the Adult Skills Fund is to support adult learners to gain skills which will lead them to meaningful, sustained, and relevant employment, or enable them to progress to further learning.

Our Adult Skills Fund (ASF) priorities

Widen Access and Participation: ASF as a gateway to learning and progression
Embed Basic and Transferable Skills: ASF providing foundations to higher skills and employment
Unlock Progression Pathways and Underutilised Talent: ASF providing routes to higher skills and better paid jobs
Develop Flexible Provision: to meet the needs of learners and businesses
Build Capacity and Capability: to enable an integrated, flexible and responsive provider base
Enable Effective Collaboration: partnership working between providers

Our strategy supports the Combined Authority’s vision of enabling healthy and thriving communities in York and North Yorkshire.

Adult Skills Fund Strategic Skills Plan 2025-2028

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are flexible training programmes of up to 16 weeks, designed to support both local employers and adults looking to build sector‑specific skills.

Delivered by a range of specialist training providers, Skills Bootcamps can take place online or at a training venue depending on the course. They are open to adults aged 19 and over and focus on the skills most needed across key sectors in York and North Yorkshire.

All courses may be fully or part-funded, dependant on eligibility criteria. Learners should contact providers directly to determine eligibility.

For employers, Skills Bootcamps offer the opportunity to:

Recruit individuals trained for your sector
Upskill existing staff to address skills gaps and improve productivity
Support workforce development and progression in a flexible, cost‑effective way

For individuals, Skills Bootcamps can help you:

Gain in‑demand, sector‑specific skills
Move into a new role, progress in your current job, or explore new opportunities if you are self‑employed
Access a guaranteed interview with an employer if you are out of work