Adult Skills Fund:
Bespoke employer-led programmes
Co-funded training designed to close skills gaps and strengthen your workforce for future progression.
We work with organisations across the Tees Valley to build the skills and capability needed to respond to evolving workforce demands and regional skills gaps. Our bespoke, employer-led programmes combine practical learning with real-world application, supporting positive outcomes for both organisations and individuals. With flexible delivery, industry-relevant content, and input from experienced practitioners and subject specialists, we make it easier to invest in your people without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Powered by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
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Up to 90% funded*
*Dependent on eligibility
Flexible delivery to fit around your business
Practical courses in leadership, AI and digital skills
Designed with employers to address regional skills gaps
Delivered by Teesside University in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority, the Adult Skills Fund provides short, flexible, bespoke, employer-led courses across areas such as leadership and AI, supporting organisations in both the private and public sectors.
Eligible SMEs can benefit from up to 90% funding, while larger organisations may receive up to 70%, helping to make investment in future-ready workforce capability more accessible and enabling organisations to address skills gaps effectively.
Whether you're looking to embed AI into your operations or develop your next generation of leaders, our programmes focus on addressing real business challenges while delivering measurable impact. From upskilling existing teams and enhancing day-to-day performance to building future leadership capability, learning is designed for immediate application in the workplace from day one.
Register your interest today and find out how these programmes can support your organisation.
View our courses
Leadership & Management
A flexible leadership and management programme designed to build confident, capable leaders at every level.
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AI in the Built Environment
A focused programme for anyone in construction and built environment looking to adopt digital tools and AI across projects and asset management.
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AI and Digital Transformation
A practical programme if you are looking to adopt and use AI in day-to-day operations.
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Data Analytics and Machine Learning
A technical programme designed for anyone looking to build advanced data capability and unlock deeper insight from their data.
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Leading with Purpose in Health and Care
A practical leadership programme designed for anyone in the health and care sector looking to strengthen leadership capability, improve team performance and deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
Find out moreEligibility
Delegates must have a Tees Valley postcode to be eligible. The Tees Valley Adult Skills Fund provides up to 90% funding for SMEs and up to 70% for larger organisations, for delegates who meet the required residency criteria.
Delegate expectations
Participants enrolling on the programme are expected to:
Be a Tees Valley resident aged 19+ and meet the relevant legal entitlement requirements
Be looking to retrain, increase their income, or progress in their role by taking on additional responsibilities
Commit to engaging with the programme and completing all required documentation and reporting
Case studies
FAQs
What is the Adult Skills Fund?
The Adult Skills Fund is a government-funded initiative delivered in the Tees Valley through Tees Valley Combined Authority. It supports organisations to develop workforce capability through co-funded bespoke employer-led provision designed around regional workforce needs and skills gaps.
Who are these programmes designed for?
Businesses and organisations looking to strengthen workforce capability, address skills gaps and support progression within their teams can benefit from this initiative. This includes SMEs, larger organisations and public sector employers across a range of industries.
What does 'bespoke employer-led provision' mean?
It means these programmes are developed in collaboration with employers to address real workforce challenges and regional skills demands. It is not generic training. The content supports practical workplace outcomes, including progression, increased responsibility, future readiness and operational capability.
What funding is available?
Eligible SMEs can receive up to 90% funding through the Adult Skills Fund, while larger organisations can receive up to 70% funding.
Who is eligible?
You must:
- have a Tees Valley postcode
- be aged 19+
- meet legal entitlements and rights to work and study
- want to retrain, progress in yourr role or increase responsibility within the workplace.
What if some of my team are not based in the Tees Valley?
Alternative options may be available where organisations have mixed-location teams. We encourage you to get in touch to discuss your requirements and explore suitable delivery options.
Which sectors can benefit from these programmes?
A wide range of sectors including construction, healthcare, finance, legal, public sector, professional services, engineering and technology-led organisations can benefit from this initiative.
How are the programmes delivered?
Delivery is flexible and designed around employer needs. Depending on the programme, this may include face-to-face learning, practical workshops, mentoring and applied project work.
When do programmes start?
September 2026. Anyone enrolling within this funding year must complete their chosen programme by August 2027.
What outcomes can organisations expect?
The programmes are designed to support:
- workforce capability and future readiness
- progression and increased responsibility within teams
- leadership and digital capability
- operational improvement and productivity
- stronger retention and employee development.
How do I register interest?
Complete the enquiry form below and we'll be in touch to discuss the most suitable programme options for your organisation.
Ready to upskill your workforce for the future?
Register your interest now.
Key dates
Cohorts are expected to start in September 2026 and if undertaken this year all delegates must complete the chosen course in its entirety by August 2027.