Workers in Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to develop new skills in a government-funded project starting this month.
The project enables the local workforce to access Continued Professional Development which could act as the catalyst for them to progress their education and their careers.
Stoke-on-Trent Higher Skills Accelerator is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and will be delivered by Staffordshire University working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
The University will be delivering fully funded short courses, masterclasses and microcredentials aimed at equipping employees with skills and techniques which can be put into practice in the workplace.
This includes bite-sized courses to help people get to grips with social media and digital marketing as well as new and emerging technologies including Chat GPT.
Added to that, local employees are invited to become more climate aware by attending a masterclass in Carbon Net Zero or to learn lifesaving skills on the CPR and AED awareness course.
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Staffordshire University, said: “We have developed a programme of short courses which will benefit local employers and help to upskill the city’s workforce.
“The project enables the local workforce to access Continued Professional Development which could act as the catalyst for them to progress their education and their careers.”
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are delighted that UKSPF money is being used for this fantastic initiative which will help to equip hundreds of workers with the knowledge and skills they need to progress in their chosen careers."
The masterclasses are fully funded and open to anyone aged 18 and over who is in paid employment or on a government supported training programme. They are also open to people on maternity or paternity leave and self-employed.
Full details on the courses available and how to apply can be found on the website.
- The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.