The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is set to make a significant impact in Shropshire by providing crucial support for improving numeracy and digital skills, as well as supporting individuals back to employment or to start their employment journey.

Earlier this year, Shropshire Council called for applications for the Government-allocated fund under three priorities: People and Skills, Communities and Place, and Supporting Local Business.

Under the banner of People and Skills, £1.6m was allocated. Organisations were encouraged to apply to fund projects that would support economically inactive individuals, and/or provide access to essential digital skills.

Additionally, the ‘Multiply’ initiative aimed to enhance numeracy skills in the workplace, in daily life, and at home.

Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said:-

“We were thrilled to receive 10 outstanding applications.

“These applications underwent a rigorous evaluation process, and we’re delighted to announce that we have successfully allocated all the funding available in this first round, and have full confidence in the ability of our selected applicants to deliver the required outcomes. These projects hold immense promise and are poised to deliver sustainable benefits to individuals and communities across Shropshire.”

Among the successful applicants was The School of Coding which will offer ‘Digital Shropshire’, a project that will deliver training in skill areas which there is currently a shortage in the county including skills for employability and digital marketing.

Manny Athwal, Project Leader, said:-

“We are planning delivery hubs and course centres in north, central and south Shropshire, where the learners will be able to attend classes. We plan to offer training in everything  from basic IT skills to web development, and then will help and support individuals to find jobs.”

Another noteworthy beneficiary is the Shropshire Sports Collective.

Calvin Lord-Latham, Education & Employability Manager, Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation, said:-

 “We recognise that sports and physical activity have the potential to inspire, motivate, and empower individuals. It can cultivate essential skills, help them to unlock their potential, and pursue meaningful employment opportunities.

“By utilizing sport and physical activity as a catalyst, we will create tailored programmes that address the specific needs of each community, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can improve their basic skills, enhance their employment prospects and achieve sustainable outcomes.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund initiatives in Shropshire reflect the dynamic approach the council is taking to fostering skill enhancement and employment opportunities. One of the key focuses of these projects is working with local people to improve their employment chances.

There will be a further call for projects against People and Skills priority for delivery in 2024/25, but what these will be is still under development and will be announced later this year.

Further information

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the Government’s levelling up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Further information about the current calls is available here 

To view this story on the Shropshire Council Newsroom click here