UK to spend £275 million on training local workers

The UK government is set to invest £275 million ($371 million) to boost the skills of British workers, aiming to strengthen the economy and rely less on foreign labor. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this plan as part of a 10-year strategy to grow industries like engineering, defense, and technology. The funding will support training for thousands of young people, especially those not in work or education, to prepare them for well-paid jobs in growing sectors.

This initiative includes setting up new Technical Excellence Colleges across the UK to train workers in fields like engineering and IT by 2029. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that the plan will focus on giving British talent the tools to succeed, reducing the need to hire from overseas. The government expects these efforts to create 1.1 million new jobs by 2035, adding £158 billion to the economy.

The strategy also responds to concerns about local job opportunities, with one in seven young people currently out of work or school. By investing in training, the UK aims to build a stronger workforce and keep jobs within the country. This move is part of Starmer’s broader “Plan for Change” to drive economic growth and support high-growth industries.