Our vision is of a dynamic and more inclusive economy, one that brings together people and opportunities to create vibrant communities and a high quality of life.
Portfolio: Education, skills and inclusion
Project status: In progress
Delivery partner: Multiple
Page last updated 21-10-2025
Our region requires a skills infrastructure that is fully aware of, and responsive to, the sectors that have labour and skills shortages. The following projects and investments support this vision:
The North East Combined Authority’s (North East CA) Adult Skills Fund (ASF), devolved from government, with an annual value of £64 million, is a key tool in delivering the ambitions of the New Deal for North East Workers. Alongside ASF, we also manage devolved Free Courses for Jobs (FCfJ) funding. Together, these investments are helping residents gain the skills they need to access good work, progress in their careers, and contribute to a thriving regional economy.
North East CA shapes skills provision around the needs of our people and our economy—for now and the future. This means aligning training opportunities with real job prospects, ensuring that every resident has a fair chance to succeed.
We work in close partnership with training providers to deliver a high-quality, inclusive adult skills offer. This offer is focused on outcomes that matter helping people into secure, well-paid jobs and supporting employers to find the skilled workforce they need to grow.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to ‘The Home of Opportunity’. We are removing barriers to learning and employment—whether that’s through flexible delivery, targeted support, or community-based provision. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can access the training they need to build a better future.
Through Adult Skills, we are funding a wide range of learning opportunities for both employed and unemployed residents. This includes essential skills in English, ESOL, maths, digital literacy, and vocational qualifications at Level 2 and Level 3 that are directly linked to local labour market needs. FCfJ complements this by offering fully funded Level 3 qualifications in priority sectors.
Together, these programmes are a cornerstone of our mission to deliver good jobs, fair wages, and a stronger economy for the North East.
Key documents including Providers for the ASF and FCFJ include:
If you have any queries about North East CA’s ASF funding, please contact Skills@northeast-ca.gov.uk.
