Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has welcomed the government’s announcement of 120,000 new training opportunities, including 30,000 apprenticeships, as part of a £3 billion investment to strengthen the UK workforce.

The initiative focuses on key sectors such as construction, healthcare, and digital technology, aiming to equip young people with the skills needed to drive economic growth and reduce reliance on migration.

Luke Myer MP stated:

“This is fantastic news for our region. With this investment, we can provide our young people with the training and opportunities they need to build rewarding careers.

“By focusing on sectors like construction and healthcare, we’re not only addressing national skill shortages but also creating jobs that will benefit our local communities.

“This initiative aligns with our commitment to invest in people and ensure that everyone has the chance to succeed.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:  

“ A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.

“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change. But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”

The funding includes £14 million for adult skills training to be allocated to local mayors, supporting up to 5,000 additional learners, and £136 million for Skills Bootcamps across priority sectors.

This comprehensive approach is part of the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to create a decade of national renewal by investing in skills and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

References:

• Read more on this here
• A £3 billion apprenticeship budget to fund 30,000 additional apprenticeship starts.

• Implementation of a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, expected to deliver up to 45,000 additional training places.
• Refocusing funding away from Level 7 apprenticeships to prioritize training at lower levels.
• Launch of 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.
• Additional investments in adult skills funding, Skills Bootcamps, and the establishment of Technical Excellence Colleges.
• Luke has been a consistent advocate in Parliament for skills development and vocational training.
  • On 5th September, 2024, he called in Parliament for collaboration between the Department for Education and Skills England to ensure vocational education supports British manufacturing and addresses workforce shortages.
  • On the 8th May 2025, he asked the Secretary of State for Education, whether “her Department is taking steps to increase funding for (a) vocational education and (b) apprenticeships for young people in Teesside.