Our Skills Development Service has been delivering transformational benefits for organisations, individuals, and volunteers across Greater Manchester, thanks to fully funded training and dedicated support from our Business Advisors and Skills Coaches. 

This enhancement to our existing Skills Support was launched earlier this year following additional investment from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). 

 Driving Skills Growth Across All Sectors 

Over the past eight months, the programme has helped organisations of all sizes and sectors strengthen core skills that underpin roles at every level. Whilst primarily focussed on English, Maths, and Digital principles, they are now positioned as Communication, Numeracy, and Digital for greater appeal. 

There are now over 75 fully funded courses available, covering popular topics such as Excel, Public Speaking, Digital, AI, Budgeting, and Cyber Security. 

 A Streamlined User Journey 

Building on the success of the previous Skills for Growth programme, we’ve simplified the process into a simple 3-step approach designed around the needs of businesses and their workforce: 

Step 1: Identify skills gaps and growth opportunities 
Step 2: Match with fully funded training on the GM Skills Map 
Step 3: Access training in multiple formats and tap into £2.8m of funding 

Deadline Approaching – Act Now 

The deadline to access this service is 31st  January 2026. If strengthening skills, driving business growth, and boosting career opportunities are your priorities for 2026, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity for you. 

Janine Richardson on Skills Development 

“There’s always opportunity to grow, no matter what level you’re at! Over the past 8 months, our fully funded training and skills development support has sparked upskilling across Greater Manchester and boosted personal, career and organisation growth. Our regular Employer Forums, chaired by Matt Carr at Carrs Pasties have enabled us to collaborate with Greater Manchester’s business leaders to focus on opportunities, understand their pain points and improve organisation culture and communication to position skills development for success.”    

Discover more and join today GM Business Growth Hub | Skills Development