Free Training Initiative Aimed at Supporting Londoners in Difficult Financial Times

Amid rising inflation, soaring energy bills, and the upcoming national insurance hikes, Londoners are facing immense financial pressure. To help alleviate this crisis, I, as Mayor of London, am launching a new initiative aimed at empowering individuals through free training opportunities.

This new Skills Roadmap for London is designed for anyone aged 19 or over who is unemployed, earning a low income, or has limited formal education. The aim is to equip individuals with the skills necessary to improve their earning potential or secure better-paid jobs.

While there is a noticeable lack of devolved powers and funding for mayors across the country, City Hall holds significant control over adult skills and training programmes, which is a vital tool in addressing the current cost of living struggles. Providing opportunities to develop skills will be key to easing the economic pressure felt by many Londoners.

I am deeply passionate about this initiative because I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of skills training. One of my brothers, for example, gained a new career path as a motor mechanic after completing high-quality training. This not only helped him secure a stable job but also boosted his confidence.

Supporting Londoners to develop the skills needed for new career opportunities is not just about personal empowerment—it is also vital for the city’s economic recovery. London has faced a tougher pandemic impact than other regions, with unemployment rates still high. However, we are starting to see economic growth, and there are many jobs available. It’s crucial that Londoners have the skills to take advantage of these opportunities.

City Hall is working closely with employers and training providers to ensure our educational programmes align with the needs of key industries, including the green, digital, creative, and health sectors. This collaborative effort will help us address staffing shortages and secure a strong economic future for London.

Today, we are launching a new campaign to raise awareness of these free adult training offers, particularly targeting those who have been historically excluded from equal access to employment and educational opportunities. Over the past two years, the pandemic has intensified inequalities, and this initiative aims to close those gaps.

Since 2019, we have successfully supported over 400,000 Londoners, particularly those from minority and low-income backgrounds, by providing access to free training. This includes opportunities such as free British Sign Language qualifications for deaf Londoners, an initiative that has been transformative for many.

The Skills Roadmap is a crucial step towards tackling inequality, boosting our economy, and creating a more equitable and prosperous city. By ensuring that more Londoners can gain the skills needed to pursue new careers, we will help the city recover from the pandemic and thrive in the years to come.

My goal as Mayor is to give every Londoner the tools they need to reach their full potential, which, in turn, will help build a stronger economy and a more inclusive city. I believe that with the right opportunities, London can scale new heights and offer everyone a chance to succeed.

As we continue to recover from the pandemic, I am committed to providing the skills and support needed to help Londoners secure their future. If you’re 19 or older and facing financial difficulty, or know someone who is, please explore the free training programmes available through this new initiative.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London