From community events to national awards, Adult Learning is on the rise in North East Lincolnshire

This success is all part of a newly established partnership ‘Learning Lincs’, designed to champion adult learning and skills development across the borough. Bringing together local training providers, employers, and community organisations, the partnership aims to raise awareness of learning opportunities, break down barriers to education, and support residents in gaining the skills they need to succeed.

Over the past year, more than 700 residents have taken part in events and programmes designed to boost skills, confidence, and career prospects. These efforts are part of a wider drive to support personal growth, improve quality of life, and strengthen the local economy.

At the heart of the success is the adult learners who have seen change in their lives as a result of taking part in education, including Lynn Wood at Grimsby Learning Centre. She said: “I can now voice my opinions and feel like I will be heard. I can join in when my grandkids are talking about things or understand my husband’s job. I’m not a little weed in the garden anymore, I’m a big sunflower.”

Lynn now volunteers with Care Plus Group and Foresight and credits her return to learning for the confidence and purpose it has brought into her life.

“It’s altered my life,” added Lynn.

Listen to more stories on the ‘Learning Lincs’ series on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLakVSBv7tz8L6U9KaOrv8E7J4bFdhzTYa&si=tg45sHG3shPxaPv2.  

Standout initiatives throughout the year include:

• Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) – This event encouraged women and girls to explore careers in engineering, digital, and renewable sectors, with support from over 30 local employers.
• Parents’ Careers Evening – Aimed at helping parents and carers understand career and training options for themselves and their families, this event offered practical advice from local employers and training providers.
• Community drop- ins – Throughout the year, workshops and drop-in sessions were hosted in Family Hubs, the Leisure Centre, the Job Centre and YMCA. These focused on digital skills, employment support, and training in community spaces.
• Freshney Place sessions – Held in the town centre, these events brought learning opportunities directly to the public, offering guidance on adult education and career development in an informal setting.

In a further boost to adult learning and skills development, 15 local projects were awarded a combined £745,000 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). These projects, selected for their focus on improving education and career prospects, aimed to close the skills gap in North East Lincolnshire. Funded initiatives include career change support through the Adult Careers Team’s Career Shift programme, technical training in engineering by CATCH, healthcare employment pathways led by NAViGO, and seafood industry skills development through the University of Lincoln’s Seafood Talent Futures project. Together, these projects continue to enhance opportunities for residents and strengthen the local workforce.

The benefits of adult learning for the borough are clear. In 2023, 79.4% of adults held a Level 2 qualification (GCSE level) or higher, narrowing the gap with the national average. By 2024, this had risen to 80.9%. These improvements reflect the success of targeted programmes and a renewed commitment to lifelong learning.

However, challenges remain. Only 33.7% of students leave school with a good pass in English and Maths, compared to 43.4% nationally, and 8.2% of residents still hold no qualifications. According to the Council’s Skills Strategy and Action Plan, many local businesses are struggling to find workers with the right skills - particularly in key growth sectors such as offshore wind, hydrogen production, and decarbonisation. These industries are projected to create up to 32,000 jobs by 2040, but without a skilled local workforce, employers may need to look beyond the area to fill these roles.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Skills and Employment Lead, Amy Rogers, said: “It’s been an exciting year for adult learning in North East Lincolnshire, with more people than ever discovering that it’s never too late to learn something new, change careers, or re-enter the workforce. We’re proud of the progress made and remain committed to working hard alongside our partners to keep that momentum going.”

A central priority for the new Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined County Authority is adult skills development, with funding for delivery being devolved from central government starting in 2026. The vision is to collaborate with partners to ensure that training and education are tailored to local needs, reflecting the priorities of our communities.

Speaking about the growth of adult skills provision, Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“The success of our adult skills initiatives over the past year has been truly inspiring. From events to training programmes, we’ve seen hundreds of residents take positive steps toward new opportunities, and that’s something to be proud of. 

“This work is vital to the future of our borough. We must continue to work together to ensure our residents can access the opportunities available to them. These initiatives are not only helping individuals - they’re bringing energy into our town centres and local economy.

“With the continued support of our partners and the formation of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, the future for adult skills in North East Lincolnshire is bright.”

As North East Lincolnshire Council continue to work towards their priorities, they are inviting residents aged 19 and over to take part in an online survey to help improve how adult learning and skills opportunities are promoted across the borough. The survey is open now and will close on Friday 18 July 2025. It only takes a few minutes to complete and is available at: https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/t/AB3uoi9ZB3v4TV.

Find out more about what’s happening and how to get involved at www.nelincs.gov.uk/adult-education-and-learning.