Coventry has secured a major funding boost of over £1 million to help transform the lives of the city’s most vulnerable young people, thanks to nearly £250,000 in new government support. The investment will fuel life-changing education and training opportunities, focusing on those aged 19–24 from disadvantaged backgrounds or with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
The extra funding will strengthen Coventry’s Adult Education Service, enabling it to expand its delivery team and create new programmes tailored to key employment sectors. Young people will gain vital numeracy, literacy, English language, and digital skills, while also accessing study programmes, supported internships, health and wellbeing support, and essential skills training—all designed to open doors to jobs, apprenticeships, and further education.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, hailed the investment as a game changer. “This substantial investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to Coventry’s young people. Many face significant barriers to education and employment, particularly in our most deprived communities. This funding allows us to expand our reach and deliver flexible, employment-focused programmes that can break the cycle of disadvantage,” she said.
The initiative will also work alongside other key city projects, including the Coventry Job Shop’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Connect to Work, and Youth Trailblazer programmes, creating seamless pathways to sustainable employment. Despite Coventry having the lowest youth unemployment rate in the West Midlands, the city continues to face challenges with young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET), especially in economically inactive households. This targeted investment aims to tackle those issues head-on by leveraging strong partnerships with local employers and voluntary sector organisations.
Dr Sandhu added, “Education and skills development are fundamental to building strong communities and a prosperous future. This funding is not just about qualifications—it’s about confidence, life skills, and creating opportunities that will benefit our young people and our city for years to come.”
With this funding, Coventry is set to empower its young residents to overcome barriers, gain critical skills, and build brighter, more independent futures.
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