Skills and adult education

Lancashire’s strength lies in its people. Across every town and community, residents bring the skills, talent and determination that make our county work.

The Lancashire Combined County Authority is helping to make sure those skills match the jobs of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. Through the Lancashire Skills Hub, which sits within the CCA, we lead the county’s plan for skills and employment. Bringing education, training and business closer together so residents can access good jobs and employers can find the people they need.

Our focus is practical: improving coordination, removing barriers and ensuring that investment in skills benefits Lancashire’s people, businesses and communities. 

Building the right skills for Lancashire 

Our plan for skills and jobs builds on the Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework, setting out a clear approach to how learning, training and employment support fit together.

Working through the Lancashire Skills Hub, we’re helping colleges, universities and training providers deliver courses that match local demand, from health and manufacturing to clean energy, construction and digital.

This work supports the Lancashire Growth Plan, ensuring that residents have the skills needed for the industries driving the county’s future economy. 

Helping residents into good work 

Our priority is helping people move into secure, rewarding jobs. That includes young people starting their careers, adults changing direction and those returning to work after time away.

We’re improving access to flexible learning through colleges, community centres and online training. The goal is simple: to make it easier for people to build confidence, gain new skills and take their next step in work or learning. 

Working with employers 

Businesses need a workforce with the right skills. The combined county authority, through the Lancashire Skills Hub, works directly with employers to understand their needs and plan for the future.

We’re linking business and education to make sure training leads to real jobs. This partnership approach supports the Lancashire Growth Plan, ensuring that sectors such as manufacturing, energy and digital can grow with a skilled, local workforce. 

Lifelong learning and inclusion 

Learning should be available to everyone, at every stage of life. Many adults want to retrain, upskill or return to work, but need flexible ways to learn.

We’re expanding access to adult education through local providers and digital platforms. The plan places inclusion at its heart. Reaching people who may have missed out before or face barriers such as health, transport or childcare.

We’re coordinating this with the Joint Lancashire Transport Plan to make sure residents can get to training and job opportunities wherever they live. 

Planning for the future 

The combined county authority leads the coordination of skills, transport and growth. By aligning our plans for skills and employment with the Lancashire Growth Plan and Joint Lancashire Transport Plan, we’re creating a joined-up system that supports long-term opportunity across the county.

This approach gives Lancashire a stronger voice, clearer priorities and better access to future investment.