The Get the Nation Learning Awards have recognised Manchester City Council with their ‘Regional Growth Award’ for its success in embedding lifelong learning in its economic and social strategy.
As a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning, the council has used its city-wide partnership of over 700 organisations to provide wide-ranging learning opportunities, transforming the lives of Manchester residents.
At a ceremony at the Barbican in London this week, representatives from Manchester City Council received the ‘Regional Growth Award’. This award is for a local or mayoral combined authority that is leading by example in integrating adult learning into regional growth plans and opening doors for people of all backgrounds. The Get the Nation Learning Awards are run by Learning and Work Institute and sit within its wider Get the Nation Learning campaign, which is supported by over 100 organisations including Channel 4 and Make UK. The campaign promotes the benefits of lifelong learning on individuals, society and the economy.
The Get the Nation Learning Awards panel chose Manchester City Council to be its winner for making Manchester a city where anyone can learn throughout life. The council has made lifelong learning central to its overarching priorities and accessible to residents across Manchester through a number of initiatives. In collaboration with 15 training providers, the council is strengthening adult careers guidance, and over 90 learning providers have received curriculum support to help them align their learning provision with the city’s growth sectors. To address digital skills shortages, the council has co-developed a new Digital Skills Framework with industry partners, to help employers and individuals acquire the digital skills they need and access appropriate training.
Lifelong learning opportunities are also helping people in Manchester secure jobs. The council’s ‘Grad Recharge’ programme has given unemployed graduates access to digital sector jobs and mental health support, helping to reduce youth unemployment. The council has also created bespoke skills development plans, co-designed with over 35 major recruitment drives, including with Co-Op Live and Treehouse Hotel. Through this, the council is not only changing the lives of individuals, but also supporting its wider goals, helping the city respond to labour market needs, attract inward investment and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader at Manchester City Council, said: “This award for Manchester Regional Growth celebrates our commitment to making learning accessible, inclusive, and impactful across communities. It’s a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion of our teams who strive every day to inspire lifelong learning and unlock potential for all they can on to use in work and everyday life.
“We’re proud to be a part of the Get the Nation Learning family. Winning this award reinforces our belief that learning is a powerful tool for change and we’re proud to be part of a movement that’s helping shape a brighter, more informed future for the nation.”
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said: “Manchester City Council is an inspiring example of the difference local authorities can make in ensuring people have opportunities to learn throughout their lives, with benefits for people, the economy and wider society. The council is fostering extensive partnerships to engage adults in learning, helping people progress and secure jobs, as well as supporting its own growth plans. Working with the Government and employers, local authorities play a vital role in creating a culture of lifelong learning in the UK, and Manchester City Council has shown how successfully that can be achieved.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “Our vision for everyone in Greater Manchester to live a good life means having access to the right skills. Congratulations to Manchester City Council on the Regional Growth Award. Their recognition is a testament to the thousands of learners who are building brighter futures for themselves and their communities. By working together, residents can gain the skills they need to thrive and our businesses will have the local talent they need to grow.”
Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive at Libraries Connected, said: “Congratulations to Manchester City Council on this well-earned award, which recognises its vision in making lifelong learning a cornerstone of economic growth. It’s natural that public libraries have been central to that vision – accessible, trusted and deeply rooted in their communities, they’re uniquely placed to support learning at every stage of life. As Manchester shows, the library network is a powerful tool to boost skills, support jobseekers and promote economic opportunity. That’s just one reason we’re proud supporters of the Get the Nation Learning campaign.”